Every Friday, we reintroduce African Artists from Africa as well as the Diasporas who are creating an impact outside their region of Africa.  These are music legends. 

Amadou & Mariam are a musical duo from Mali, composed of the couple Amadou Bagayoko (guitar and vocals) (born in Bamako 24 October 1954) and Mariam Doumbia (vocals) (born in Bamako 15 April 1958). 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. Amadou lost his vision at the age of 16 while Mariam became blind at age 5 as a consequence of untreated measles.  The duo's early recordings in the 1980s and 1990s feature sparse arrangements of guitar and voice. Since the late 1990s Amadou & Mariam produce music that mixes traditional Mali sound with rock guitars, Syrian violins, Cuban trumpets, Egyptian ney, Indian tablas and Dogon percussion. All these elements put together have been referred to as "Afro-blues". (wikipedia)

It is really cold here today and my body is yearning for the heat of the hot summer sun, the concerts, the beats and all that summer entails. One of those things is the great music from Africa with emphasis on music from Mali. 

Mali is a country rich in history, food, traditions and most importantly music.  A lot of music from Mali seem very traditional but it often times combines elements found in music from the Western World - blues.  Another strong component found in  Malian music is  strong story telling.  Music plays an important role in Malian cultures as there are families who are recognized by the community as griots and have been earning and performing music for many centuries. 

You become cognizant of  all these elements when you watch the talented duo - Miriam and Amadou perform.  They've performed to sold out crowds in many countries all over the world and these crowds are often made up of people who do not understand French but love music - particularly traditional African music that sounds bluesy (Diasporas). Beyond these, Miriam and Amadou (though West African) have collaborated with artists from different regions of Africa.  Enclosed are some great music from this duo:

1)  Sabali 

2) Unisons Nous feat Keziah Jones

3) Masiteldi

4) I follow you

5) Africa feat Knaan 

 Please enjoy this interview with Miriam and Amadou  on World's AIDS day.

Discography

• Se Te Djon Ye (1999-01-26)
• Sou Ni Tile (1999-06-15)
• Tjé Ni Mousso (2000-10-19)
• Wati (album) (2003-04-01)
• Je pense à toi : The Best of Amadou et Mariam (2005-03-29)^[5]
• Dimanche à Bamako (2005-08-02)
• Zeit, Dass Sich Was Dreht (with Herbert Grönemeyer) (2006)
• Welcome to Mali (2008-11-17)
• The Magic Couple (2009-07-07)
• The Twilight Saga: New Moon Soundtrack (2009) – "All I Believe In"

www.wikipedia.com

www.soasradio.com

www.pamelastitch.com