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Following a long string of international collaborations (including Folamour, Francis Mercier, Blond:Ish, Sofi Tukker, Christophe Maé, Tiken Jah Fakoly, Vieux Farka Touré…), the world’s most famous Malian couple is back with a new single ‘Mogolu’.
At 60 years of age and with a career spanning almost 50 years, Amadou & Mariam have established themselves as the ultimate ambassadors of Afro-pop. And here they are again with new single ‘Mogolu’, as always a breath of fresh air thanks to their trademark joyful creativity.
A mixture of infectious danceable Afro-beat rhythms and hypnotic melodies, of tradition and modernity, of organic and electronic sounds, carried by Mariam’s heavenly vocals, ‘Mogolu’ delightfully taps into everything that is magical and powerful about such irresistible hits as ‘Je Pense À Toi’, ‘Sabali’, ‘Mon Chéri’ and ‘Bofou Safou’. ‘Mogolu’, which means ‘people’ in Bambara, is a celebration of human encounters, travels and diversity, echoing the duo’s long-standing commitment to peace, as well as a powerful invitation to dance. It is a guaranteed toe-tapper that will have people shaking wildly under the sun.
Shot in the bustling city of Dakar by gifted director Ojoz (who previously worked for Yamê, Damso, Disiz…), the song’s music video stars the highly talented dancer Akamz (a TikTok phenomenon with more than 24 million followers).
The new single offers a first glimpse into their upcoming album ‘La Vie Est Belle’, slated for release in the fall. Bringing together exclusive material and essential songs, this greatest hits record will capture the last twenty years of the duo’s career. It will feature highlights from ‘Dimanche à Bamako’ – the album that propelled Amadou & Mariam into pop stardom turns 20 this year. In those 20 years, Amadou & Mariam enjoyed international success, collaborated with some of the world’s greatest names (Damon Albarn of Blur, Santigold, Scissor Sisters, Theophilus London, Amp Fiddler…) and toured the world’s largest festivals. Over the course of their career, Amadou & Mariam took the Malian blues that made them a household name and opened it up to rock, hip-hop and disco influences, spreading their Afro-pop message and joie de vivre.
“We’ve always dreamed of tearing down walls and opening people’s ears to new sounds so the whole world can discover and appreciate Malian music” Amadou & Mariam
TOUR DATES
03/05/24 – Wazemmes l’Accordéon – Lille, France
15/06/24 – Eden Festival – Dumfries&Galloway, UK
28/06/24 – Le Broc Festival – Le Broc, France
29/06/24 – Kampagn’Arts Festival – Saint Paterne, France
04/07/24 – Clandestino Festival – Göteborg, Sweden
06/07/24 – Les Murmures du Temps – Arbresle, France
12/07/24 – Somerset House Summer Series – London, UK
17/07/24 – Festival sur le Champ – Valence, France
19/07/24 – Les Pluies de Juillet – Le Tanu, France
21/07/24 – Le Pied Orange Festival – Le Val d’Ajol, France
26/07/24 – WOMAD – Charlton Park, UK
27/07/24 – Esperanzah – Floreffe, Belgium
US Tour with Andrew Bird:
08/08/24 – Rock the Ruins – Indianapolis, IN
09/08/24 – Meijer Garden – Grand Rapids, MI
10/08/24 – Royal Oak Music Theater – Detroit,MI
12/08/24 – l’Olympia – Montreal,QC, Canada
13/08/24 – Frog Alley Summerstage – Schenectady, NY
15/08/23 – Tree House Brewing – Deerfield, MA
16/08/24 – Pier 17 – New York, NY
17/08/24 – The Levitt Pavilion – Connecticut
18/08/24 – Venue TBA – Kennett Square, PA
20/08/24 – North Carolina Museum of Art – Raleigh, NC
21/08/24 – Filene Center (Wolf Trap) – Vienna, VA
16/10/24 – Biehubeli – Bern, Switzerland
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