Holà Bamako 2025: An 8th Edition Filled with Emotion and Musical Brotherhood
On April 11 and 12, the National Museum of Mali hosted the 8th edition of the Holà Bamako International Festival. This annual event, initiated by the Embassy of Spain in Mali, once again brought together Malian and Spanish artists around a universal language: music. However, this edition will remain especially etched in hearts for a very particular reason.
A Grand Celebration… Marked by a Great Loss
Scheduled to perform at the festival, the legendary duo Amadou & Mariam was set to once again light up the Malian stage. But a shockwave struck the Malian cultural world just days before the event: Amadou Bagayoko, the iconic guitarist and voice of the duo, passed away on April 4, 2025. His passing deeply moved an entire nation and changed the atmosphere of the festival.
Instead of a simple performance, a vibrant tribute was paid. Many artists observed moments of silence in his memory. One of the most moving moments was undoubtedly the performance of the song “Saya” by Oumou Sangaré, a heartfelt cry and tribute dedicated to her compatriot and friend.
