The Long Run’s very own ambassadors for Culture (Art), Amadou and Mariam were rubbing shoulders with President Barack Obama recently as they joined other artists and stars such as Wyclef Jean and Will Smith at the Oslo Spektrum for the Nobel Peace Prize Concert on the 11th December.
Obama spoke of the current hardships in the world and how “our actions…can bend history in the direction of justice”. The musicians gathered to celebrate in the same spirit, with Amadou and Mariam saying “we were proud to represent Africa during the Nobel Peace Prize celebrations” and that it was a great honour to have met President Barack Obama.”
Amadou and Mariam’s music that started in West Africa, soon found them success in France, but now the UK and the USA are taking note having just been nominated for a Grammy Award. Their appearances at Glastonbury, the request to tour with former Blur front man Damon Albarn as well as Coldplay choosing the couple for their Spring 09 US dates, certainly show that Amadou and Mariam have travelled far from their Mali roots to be recognised on the worldwide music scene.
Philadelphia Inquirer music critic, Dan DeLuca believes the duo “succeed in creating a deliriously ebullient pop album that’s far-reaching and forward thinking, yet sounds completely organic”.
The Grammy Awards are announced on 31st January 2010.
