A Malian Musical Icon, Amadou Bagayoko, known as one part of the renowned pair Amadou & Mariam, has died at the age of 70.

Bagayoko, a renowned guitarist, singer, and songwriter, passed away on Friday, April 4, 2025, in Bamako, as reported by family sources.

Youssouf Fadiga, identified as Amadou Bagayoko’s son-in-law explained the legendary artist had been enduring an illness for several weeks.

A prominent character in the realm of Malian music, he created a significant collection of pieces that allowed Mali’s beats to echo well beyond the boundaries of Africa.

He was born in Bamako on October 24, 1954, and became blind during his teenage years because of congenital cataracts.

Starting at a young age, Bagayoko ventured into the world of music and In 1975, he encountered Mariam Doumbia, who was likewise blind, at the Bamako Institute for Blind Youth.

Their collaboration led to the global recognition of the duo Amadou & Mariam.