Amadou and Mariam: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

Jan. 19, 2018 | Bob Boilen -- The title and subject of Amadou & Mariam's latest album, La Confusion, would lead you to believe that the music this married, Malian couple make might be sad and troubled. But Amadou & Mariam, on the contrary, bring some of the most lyrical melodies and joyful sounds we've ever had at the Tiny Desk, and their performance comes while their country endures great turmoil, including a coup and insurgencies.
As Amadou and Mariam said when their album was released, "We seek to make people happy with our music, help humanitarian causes and share positive messages about the good work being done by people in every corner of the world."
The story of Amadou and Mariam is still worth telling almost 40-years (and eight albums) into their career because it speaks well to who they are, the obstacles they've had to overcome and the positive yet realistic attitude that has made them such an international success. Amadou Bagayoko and Mariam Doumbia met when they were children in Mali's Institute for the Young Blind. Both had lost their sight when they were young and they began performing together. Later, in the 1980s, they married and began a career together.
On this occasion, they stripped down their bigger band to a keyboard, a percussionist and a backup singer while the couple holds it all together with Amadou's stuttered melodic guitar and Mariam's sweetly gruff voice. It's an inspired performance to hear and to witness.
Set List
"Bofou Safou"
"Dimanche à Bamako"
"Filaou Bessame"
CREDITS
Producers: Bob Boilen, Morgan Noelle Smith; Creative Director: Bob Boilen; Audio Engineers: Josh Rogosin, James Willetts; Videographers: Morgan Noelle Smith, Tsering Bista, Bronson Arcuri; Production Assistant: Jenna Li; Photo: Claire Harbage/NPR
For more Tiny Desk concerts, subscribe to our podcast.

[@DearMrsWings]

They're huge artists in West Africa and France. Bow down.

[@nfrager]

They’re heroes out on the West Coast, USA as well!

[@revivevfx]

In Canada too!

[@sweeeetee]

@Dominique Schaffner it would be excuses toi

[@erinbess2550]

I'm still bowing.... Amazing tiny desk, Amadou and Mariam.

[@reallifelove]

Setting their musical genius aside for a second, they are hands down the best dressed blind people I have ever seen

[@5k33k]

Since it isn't already listed in the video, the names of the performers are: Amadou Bagayoko- Guitar & Vocals Mariam Doumbia- Vocals Aminata Doumbia - Backing Vocals Joel Hierrezuelo - Percussion Charles Frederik Avot - Keyboard Thanks to Georgia from their management team for the help!

[@momsonthenet394]

The people that work in this office are so fortunate to get amazing live performances on their lunch hour on a weekly basis! I would stay at my dead-end job forever if I had the privilege.

[@gabrielbarbosa8681]

That depends if they're making enough to live without thinkin of bills 😂. But I get what you said

[@chippies121]

If you know REAL GREAT music, you know Amadou & Mariam. These 2 are legends internationally. Award winning, in demand artistes. Beautiful music from 2 beautiful souls

[@jeanlouisfilipe]

if you know real great music you know that Amadou & Mariam are fraud !

[@muataz23]

@@jeanlouisfilipe :| what are you talking about

[@loux.]

I’m Malian and this makes me so happy to see This!!!!🇲🇱🇲🇱🇲🇱🇲🇱

[@edpawlick7198]

Recently, in a supermarket in Michigan, USA, I was talking with an obviously AFRICAN woman working there. I asked where she was from, Mali. I told her I had visited Mali, among many other countries in Africa, but of all the others put together could not come close to Amadou and Miriam. I hear them sing, and I am right back there in Mali. I swear I can smell the scent of Africa when this amazing duo hit my ears. This Malian woman was overjoyed that somebody, here, in this dismal country of late, knew her countries pride and joy. When she misses Mali, she listens to Amadou and Miriam! When I want to transport myself back there so do I.

[@edpawlick7198]

We are ecstatic at the removal of trump. Yet I am so very saddened to see that so very many of my people support racism, hate. We really need to thank trump...for showing us that so many in our country support hate. NOW WE REALLY KNOW! The FIGHT is just beginning, but so help me GOD, I will be on the right side...Africa is Humanity.

[@tarobarf]

They were the first concert I ever went to. They came to Toronto!!! I must've been 6 years old. I remember it so well. My parents got their autograph on our CD we brought from home (-: Music of my childhood.

[@revivevfx]

Same thing here! Saw them in Québec when I must have been 8 years old and I still remember vividly!

[@dprice81]

Did they play Coulibaly?

[@JD-ve6kn]

ugh I wish they'd come back to Toronto :(

[@robertoventrillon7624]

Yes, I was carrying you on my shoulders. And that was the concert where we discovered Sierra Leone Refugee All-Stars.

[@andreebesseau6995]

I was there also😂harbour front!!!

[@MsLilStrange]

I just adore these two! And have for years. Their version of "Je pense à toi" is the most beautiful love song I've ever heard. Thanks NPR. And great thanks to Amadou et Mariam for giving the world such wonderful music!

[@FreyjaFehu]

I concur. Gives me frisson every time i hear "Je pense a toi'. I am in gratitude for their greatness.

[@prodbynikolescro1488]

Merci d'avoir fait un NPR avec Amadou & Mariam

[@AficionadoKO]

So beautiful, makes me move, makes me smile. Just another example of how beautiful and important African culture and people are for the USA and the world.

[@boyishe]

We all should be thankful to live in this times along with Amadou et Mariam, best musical duo ever.

[@ironsights4me]

totally getting outfits like that for me and my old lady...

[@frankakwetey2354]

Such beautiful souls they are.... Nothing can hold you down when you carry a strong will and a pure heart and they are a manifestation. Send them my Love

[@Rahnotrob]

I recently discovered these guys in the background of a Senegalese restaurant in town. This is a treat!

[@blitz8647]

I'm so proud to see them here !!!!

[@ericpark945]

"We seek to make people happy with our music, help humanitarian causes and share positive messages about the good work being done by people in every corner of the world." OMG, this line 🙌👏👌

[@edwinrwigi3361]

Thank you for inviting a continental Africa act over...

[@cud80]

I love Amadou&Mariam, I started listening to their music when studying French in Mexico city, I love the rhythm. I hope I am able to see them one day

[@luciadominguez9287]

she's a boss !! those sunnies dang

[@poordirtyhappy9704]

Lucia Dominguez also, they're blind. They met in a school for the blind in the 70's i think.

[@TheSupermee2]

So happy to find this! I grew up on their album Dimanche à Bamako with Manu Chao, such wonderful music

[@chibaby0306]

Wow uncle and aunty!!!!! I hail Oh! So beautiful!

[@michaeljohnson8430]

The Crown Jewels of Mali! Much respect!!!

[@swoonunit]

I'm so glad I've been watching whatever Tiny Desk concerts pop up, because every so often I discover gems like Amadou and Mariam. This music is blessed.

[@megamixa]

That harmony is insane...

[@kyleyesiahsupree]

Wow!! Thank you NPR. So glad to see them on here. BIG UPS. Stay positive

[@kooiiiii]

Yaaaaas! Only just pressed play but I know it's going to be good.

[@earthmama_luma]

Love this. I have forgotten of this band for some time. Used to listen to them. I believe my parents got me into their music when i was a bit younger. Im glad you have them on the tiny desk concert.

[@esohedicho]

never clicked so fast

[@ROTlNAJ]

Their music is a great way to start the day!

[@Skims24]

AHHHHH I LOVE THESE GUYS! seeing them on here is like eating dessert

[@bahead1863]

I saw Amadou playing with his Amadou Et Saramaya group in France around 20 years ago, when I was like 8 or something, at a holiday campsite my family were staying at. We all fell in love with the music and bought their CD and I've been listening to it for years! All that time I thought they were just an awesome small band that no-one had ever heard about, until the other day when I curiously googled them/ him and found this! Had NO IDEA he was such a big name for all those years...thanks internet haha.

[@darrenc7269]

This is wonderful. Thank you to the musicians and thanks also to @NPR, for bringing high quality music into all of our lives that otherwise, we may not have heard.

[@antoinegauffin8143]

omg i love them !!!! ive been listening to them since i was literal child ! so happy to see them getting international recognition

[@duathani]

highly recommend listening to Bofou Safou with the full band live.. all the sounds melt together

[@RoryFisher]

YES THEY ARE MY FAVORITE!!!! I wish they played Masiteladi

[@newyorkeranew]

This music is pure joy. These are my favorite musicians.

[@KaiaKater]

On vous aime Amadou & Mariam!!

[@heliTg]

High-key cried with joy listening to this! Love these two & their music ❤️. Thank you for this gift NPR

[@deangur]

I love this version of "Dimanche à Bamako" and the entire performance in general

[@drain_gang]

i have no idea what they're saying but this is 🔥🔥🔥

[@philpembroke5373]

Schoolboy Z second song, chorus goes like this, Sundays are the days for marriage - in Bamakou (Mali’s captial)

[@mppoirier1720]

They just cured me of a really horrible mood.

[@gabo.4355]

Thank You @NPRtinydesk for bringing this amazing duo to perform!!!! Sabali paid off!!!

[@gabo.4355]

NPR Music

[@revivevfx]

Je pense à toi & Bara are some of the greatest song ever

[@HardwareAddiction]

Heard them first when one of their songs was part of mountain bike movie "Where the Trail Ends " and following since then.

[@aaronwimberleymbamsf5776]

Another reason that it's important to support global artisans- amazing duo and group

[@Hjernded]

More music from Mali please!

[@MsLilStrange]

Yessss! Would love to see Adama Yalomba!! Mbora is one of my most favorite songs of all time. :-)

[@gorryumbul9031]

Yes!

[@nfrager]

Issa Bagayogo please!

[@onedollarzombies]

Songhay Blues would be great, and Fatoumata Diawara! Mali produces so much brilliant music - the diversity and range is astonishing! I absolutely adore Amadou and Mariam though - so joyful and chock full of postive vibes! =:^)

[@nicolasbaudon7345]

That's a drummer !!

[@josephgerber7160]

Amadou and Mariam were the first concert I ever went to. Gosh those are wonderful memories.....

[@pmeagle]

"Bofou Safou" is beautiful!!! The recorded version too.

[@renestevenson8119]

Just discovered this fantastic duo and friends. Oh my- love love love- feel so very happy, blessed and grateful.

[@ashivaricruzi6553]

Ay!! les amooooo!!!!!gracias por su arte!!

[@leoxavier7719]

Such an incredible duo and their story is something I highly reccomend people look into! Well done NPR!!!!

[@WhatTheHeck1290]

I want that suit!!!!

[@jaredanicetti114]

Their 2009 Bonnaroo was so cool. A friend suggested them and they didnt disappoint😎

[@LousticSessions]

What a great band! Thank you Amadou & Mariam and NPR! Delicious :)

[@teasaway]

Oh my God ! That was so unexpected !

[@pcardriff7278]

Mariam has such a recognizable voice. She sings as if the melodies are coming through her, rather than she is deliberately singing, do you know what I mean? The lyrics on their breakout album "Dimanche a Bamako" turned Europe on to Malian street experience about a dozen years ago. If you're political, you'll recognize the experience of poverty in this music, and you will relate.

[@lunaritschl-duan8882]

The vibe. I love the vibes.

[@v4ngeloz]

this is SO GOOD how can you not smile and dance

[@eli24bernal24]

Maravillosos, no me canso de escucharlos!

[@davidkempers1652]

Seeing them this week in Amsterdam. Can’t wait to watch these amazing artists!

[@justinedekorte8009]

Waar treden ze op????? Live zijn ze super!!

[@davidkempers1652]

@@justinedekorte8009 Melkweg! Woensdag 23 maart

[@ec8927]

I love love LOVE their music!!!

[@joanapandolucas558]

Amazing couple! Wonderful music! Perfect vibes! ♥️ Love from Portugal

[@donguree7]

love them sooo much!

[@nzalex1]

Oh, I love this... Thank you for this raw concert

[@oliviaetien1634]

OMGGG why it tooks me 2 years to see this ?? Love you from Côte d'Ivoire ♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@raraavisalmacendearte4659]

Muy buenos!!! el tesón y la positividad lograran que el mundo sea para todos alguna vez...

[@cankaracomak2905]

everyone can feel that beautiful vibe and see these pure and beautiful souls

[@aubrie3500]

Bongos, yes! Play those bongos. I am diggin' it

[@SuperCgilpin]

I just love their sound ❤ much respect!

[@zakm8059]

From France with Love ❤️

[@giveamanafish2324]

They’re pretty big in Montréal also

[@felixdeckers8863]

The musicians should all be credited

[@settamit]

They certainly deserve being called the Treasure of Mali. Should be upgraded to World Treasure

[@user-xz5gt4cy6b]

Благодарю за радость и счастье, подаренное музыкой! Amadou and Mariam прекрасны!!!

[@hanschantrymba5228]

Oulala😘superbe prestation

[@exoticbuho7630]

Love them since forever

[@EvilEddtheRed]

Musical Royalty.

[@rociohernandez1880]

Yooo so glad I clicked on this. Issa bop 👌

[@charlesyonga333]

1 word: Excellent!

[@michaelleyva9574]

When and where,can I see them LIVE?? I must...love them

[@autumn975]

Aww I love this!

[@NickAdelman]

saw them on KCRW a while back... so glad to see them here

[@carlwyatt]

Fantastic band and music!!!! Thank you

[@Olivia-by2vm]

¡Qué rica musiquita!

[@joseespinoza6283]

Great choice NPR!

[@alexdamaceno]

I saw them at a festival here in Brazil in 2006! Time tunnel...

[@romattigk]

year ,, i love this sound,, i hope they will give us much more of this beautiful music

[@ipsilonia]

such a good vibe

[@maira.fuligno]

relationship goals

[@tomasportugues]

Wow, so good!

[@marymkhoyan7228]

This is amazing 💜

[@raphael5844]

Grande Classe

[@fourdaysdead]

estupendo!!!

[@enchantedhunter4757]

Love this 🥰

[@chooseitwisely98]

I love this so muuuccchhh

[@sackmajik]

How lovely! So uplifting, thank you Amadou & Mariam and your wonderful band. xx

[@Alfiberto]

Lo más grande Amadou et Mariam!!

[@anonymouse527]

This is great!

[@lolalichtblau1716]

Love it!!!

[@tomklone6057]

Complètement dingue ! :-D