**Malian Music Legend Amadou Bagayoko Remembered by Peers and Fans Alike**

The Malian musician’s blend of traditional and contemporary sounds leaves a lasting legacy.

Last week, the world of African music mourned the loss of one of its legendary figures, Amadou Bagayoko, a guitarist who collaborated with international rock stars and famously performed at the Nobel concert for President Barack Obama. At the age of 70, Bagayoko passed away due to complications related to a malaria infection, leaving behind a rich musical legacy forged alongside his wife, Mariam Doumbia. Together, they became a renowned duo known as Amadou & Mariam, capturing global audiences in the 2000s and 2010s with memorable songs like “Beautiful Sundays.”

Despite the decline in their international fame, particularly in the U.S., their influence remains strong in Europe and West Africa, where their vibrant rhythms merged blues guitar riffs with traditional African sounds continue to inspire countless musicians. Friends and family of Bagayoko have been sharing their favorite tracks from Amadou & Mariam, highlighting the profound impact the guitarist had on their lives and careers.

Cheick Tidiane Seck, a keyboardist who enjoyed a long friendship with Bagayoko since they were adolescents, reflected on their shared creativity and emotions attached to the music. During a concert he performed in Ivory Coast just days after Bagayoko’s passing, he honored him by opening with “Toubala Kono,” a song they co-wrote, demonstrating the deep bond built over years of collaboration.

As tributes pour in, the essence of Amadou Bagayoko shines through not just in his songs but in the stories shared by those who cherished and respected him. The legacy and sound of Amadou & Mariam will undoubtedly continue to resonate for years to come.