The duo produces music that mixes traditional Mali sound with rock guitars, Syrian violins, Cuban trumpets, Egyptian ney, Colombian trombones, Indian tablas and Dogon percussion.
Amadou & Mariam
Artist Name: Amadou & Mariam
Genre: Fusion
Country: Mali
Amadou and Mariam are a musical duo from Mali, composed of the couple Mariam Doumbia (vocals) (born in Mali's capital Bamako 15 April 1958) and Amadou Bagayoko (guitar and vocals) (born in Bamako 24 October 1954). The pair, known as "the blind couple from Mali" met at Mali's Institute for the Young Blind, and found they shared an interest in music. The duo produces music that mixes traditional Mali sound with rock guitars, Syrian violins, Cuban trumpets, Egyptian ney, Colombian trombones, Indian tablas and Dogon percussion. All these elements put together have been referred to as "Afro-blues". Numerous successful cassette releases and a career in Ivory Coast followed before 'The Blind Couple From Mali' left for France and eventual fame. Music was the weapon they used to mitigate the disadvantages of blindness, and music is their gift to us. 'Dimanche à Bamako' recently went top 5 in the main French album charts. Anyone who's ever tried to promote an artist from Africa will know what an extraordinary achievement that is.