Bamako became a sea of sorrow on Sunday as thousands gathered to bid farewell to Amadou Bagayoko.
The celebrated guitarist and singer, one half of the iconic duo Amadou & Mariam, passed away at 70.
His death on Friday has left a void in the global music community.
Friends, family, and devoted fans flocked to the Malian capital for the solemn ceremony.
Esteemed musician Salif Keita and Culture Minister Mamou Daffe were among the notable attendees.
Many in the crowd donned traditional white boubous, a testament to Bagayoko’s cultural impact.
Amadou, a Grammy-nominated artist, will be laid to rest privately at his family home.
Tributes have poured in from across the globe, recognizing his immense talent.
He and his wife Mariam Doumbia, both visually impaired, achieved international fame.
Their composition served as the official song for the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany.
The duo also graced the stage at the closing ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Their 2004 album “Dimanche a Bamako,” produced by Manu Chao, propelled them to worldwide acclaim.
Amadou and Mariam’s music has since resonated on dance floors internationally.
Their remarkable journey began in 1976 at Bamako’s Institute for the Young Blind.
There, the 21-year-old musician Amadou met the 18-year-old singer Mariam, forging a lifelong partnership rooted in shared musical passion.