Thousands gathered in Mali’s capital Bamako on Sunday to honor the late Amadou Bagayako, the beloved guitarist of Amadou & Mariam.
The 70-year-old music legend, blind since childhood, died Friday after an illness, leaving behind his wife and musical partner Mariam Doumbia and their three children.
The funeral drew an outpouring of grief and reverence, with artists, dignitaries, and fans attending under wide white tents set beneath Bamako’s sky.
Notable mourners included famed singer Salif Keita, Culture Minister Mamou Daffe, and former Prime Minister Moussa Mara, all present to pay tribute.
While some wore black, many donned traditional white boubous, a silent symbol of respect and remembrance woven into local custom.
Family spokesperson Djiby Sacko confirmed Amadou would be buried privately in the courtyard of his home, surrounded by close relatives.
Tributes poured in from around the globe, praising the guitar virtuoso’s legacy and his enduring impact on world music.
Together with Mariam, Amadou rose to international fame with their 2004 album Dimanche à Bamako, produced by Manu Chao.
Their music, blending Malian rhythms with global beats, became a mainstay in clubs and festivals worldwide, celebrated for its joy and soul.
The duo’s acclaim soared further with their 2006 World Cup anthem and a performance at the 2024 Olympic Games closing ceremony in Paris.
Their story began in 1976 at Bamako’s Institute for the Young Blind, where 21-year-old Amadou met 18-year-old Mariam through shared melodies.
From that moment, their partnership—both musical and personal—became a beacon of creativity, resilience, and love.
Mali now says goodbye to a national treasure, whose music will long echo far beyond its borders.
