The Zeitz Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of Amadou & Mariam as Ambassadors for Culture (Art)

London, October 28th – Amadou Bagayoko and Mariam Doumbia, the musical duo from Mali, met in 1977 while attending the Institute for Young Blind in Bamako. By then, Amadou was already a teenage guitarist in a well-known band. Mariam had, since a young age, sung at weddings and other traditional Malian festivals. They played their first concert in 1980 and embarked on a career that would take them around the globe, win numerous awards and produce with “Dimanche à Bamako” in collaboration with Manu Chao one of the best-selling albums ever to come out of Africa. For their latest album “Welcome to Mali” they worked with other musicians including Damon Albarn on the track “Sabali”, the Somalian rapper K’Naan and Keziah Jones.

Their unique mix of sweet melodies and funky rhythms, driven by Amadou’s bluesy guitar and the duo’s compelling voices make up the vibrant magic of their music. They have their roots deeply planted in Africa and yet they give us music for the world rather than world music.

“Our musical creativity allows us to cross borders, expand horizons and build connections. There is a new opportunity to do so within the Zeitz Foundation, and we are thrilled to embark on The Long Run as a sensible, honest and positive approach to life.”

They join an esteemed group of supporters including:
Ambassador for Commerce: François-Henri Pinault
Ambassador for Conservation: Stephen Hopkins
Ambassador for Culture (Sport): Usain Bolt
Ambassador for Community: Gregory David Roberts
Specialist for Culture (Art): Mark Coetzee
Specialist for Culture (Sport): Colin Jackson
Specialist for Community: Auret van Heerden
Specialist for Conservation: Holly Dublin
Specialist for Commerce: Derek de la Harpe

You can enjoy their music at one of their concerts in November / December 2009:
France:
10. November: Creil - La Faiencerie
11. November: Les Ulis - Espace Boris Vian
12. November: Gap - Le Cube
13. November: Nice - Theatre Lino Ventura
17. November: Tours - Atrium
18. November: Avignon - Salle Montfavet
19. November: Thonex (Switzerland)
21. November: Vienna (Austria) - Konzerthaus
03. December: London (UK) - HMV Forum
11. December: Oslo (Norway)