Amadou & Mariam

Following the release of “La Vie Est Belle” (2024) – a greatest hits compilation by the Malian afropop duo Amadou & Mariam – nearly all of their concerts have been sold out! On May 8, you can experience this musical sensation at Cosmopolite! 

The album, which consists of remixes of old hits as well as three new singles, is truly the ideal entry point for new audiences to discover the pioneers of afro-pop; Amadou & Mariam! 

“Seasoned showmanship... Mesmerizing!” - Financial Times 

“La Vie Est Belle” includes the new single “Mogolu,” composed by Manu Chao, a long-time collaborator with the duo. The song is a blend of infectious and danceable afro-beat and hypnotic melodies, merging tradition and modernity through an electronic soundscape. Other collaborators on the album include the notorious French hip-hop producer Ever Mihigo, producer Damon Albarn, Somali-Canadian rapper K'Naan, and American rapper Akon. 

On the album, we hear elements from pop, dance, rock, and blues, rooted in the Malian music scene – performed in the Bambara language. The duo has never lost touch with their Malian roots and has found that language is not a barrier to connecting with the audience, according to Amadou: “We discovered that our music has something universal in it, even when we sing in Bambara.” 

Together, Amadou and Mariam have stated: “We have always dreamed of tearing down walls and opening people's ears to new sounds so the whole world can appreciate the music from Mali.” 

With the album “La Vie Est Belle,” they have truly achieved this. Western rock, disco, and electronic influences stand alongside Arabic string sounds, Cuban brass, and percussion from India – all rooted in Malian music. 

“Amadou & Mariam are the ultimate ambassadors for afro-pop... They are trendsetters at the forefront of the groundbreaking music scene in Africa.” - Grateful Web 

But what is it really about for a duo that has maintained an exceptional level for over 40 years...? According to Mariam: “We want to sing about peace and love until our last breath.” 

See them at Cosmopolite on May 8!