Amadou Bagayoko dead: Amadou & Mariam musician dies after long illness

Amadou Bagayoko has died aged 70 following a 'long illness'. The renowned guitarist and singer of duo Amadou & Mariam's death was confirmed by his son-in-law.

The Grammy-nominated star died in his birth town of Bamako, Mali. Manager Yannick Tardy said Amadou had been taken into hospital feeling drained on Friday, and died later that day. Amadou was born in 1954 and went blind when he was 15 due to a congenital cataract. His sight loss never held him back as he went on to study music at Mali's Institute for the Young Blind.

While there, he met Mariam Doumbia, who later became his wife and musical partner. Mariam had become blind at the age of five due to untreated measles. They shot to fame thanks to their 2004 album Dimanche a Bamako, meaning Sunday in Bamako.

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saw them nominated for the best contemporary music album at the Grammys. Amadou & Mariam blended west African sounds with modern electric rock and pop.

In 2009, the duo opened for Coldplay and Blur and they also performed at the Nobel Peace Prize concert when President received his award. They have played alongside the likes of Damon Albarn and Pink Floyd guitarist David Gilmour.

Amadou & Mariam have toured the world and entertained their fans. They have played some of the world's biggest music festivals including Glastonbury.

The couple composed the official song for the 2006 World Cup in Germany and last year they played at the closing ceremony of the Olympic Games in Paris.

They picked up recognition for their work and won France's Grammys equivalent, Victoire de la Musique, in 2005 and 2013. Amadou also received Radio Awards for World Music in 2006.

Tributes have poured in for Amadou as Manu Chao, who produced Dimanche a Bamako, said: "Amadou! We'll always be together … with you wherever you go. Mariam, Sam, the whole family, your pain is my pain. I love you."

Senegalese singer-songwriter Youssou N'Dour added: "I will never forget his friendship. My thoughts are with my dear Mariam." Mali's Minister of Culture Mamou Daff also paid tribute to the star on TV. He said he felt “dismay” at the loss.

“He had been ill for a while,” Amadou’s son-in-law Youssouf Fadiga told Agence-France Presse. Manager Yannick Tardy, who had spoken to Mariam by phone, said Amadou had been taken to a clinic after feeling fatigue, and had died later that day.

A fan shared: "Today, music is in mourning. The passing of Amadou Bagayoko, the talented half of the duo Amadou and Mariam, leaves a huge void. Their unique music, a blend of Malian sounds and international influences, has conquered the world.

"And a little anecdote that people don't know: my father gave them a small generator so they could hold small neighborhood concerts. They said that if they were successful, they would pay him back for the generator. My father told them that the only repayment he wanted was to see them succeed...

"Thanks to them for all these moments. My sincere thoughts go out to Mariam and her entire family. May the earth be light upon him."

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