Amadou & Mariam, a Grammy-nominated musical duo from Mali, began their first China tour at Tango Club in Beijing last Sunday.

Giving live performances around the world, they have played with U2, Coldplay and David Gilmour, as well as at the award ceremony of the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize and at the opening ceremony of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Both members of the duo, Amadou Bagayoko and Mariam Doumbia, lost their vision during childhood and met at an institute for the blind near Bamako, capital of Mali, where they played in the music group. In 1980, they became partners in music and life.

After their concerts in the 1980s, the two made a name for themselves throughout West Africa and Europe with their Afropop mixed with blues and traditional music.

Beyond blues

The band's music, filled with playfulness and bouncy beats, goes beyond the traditional Mali sound or blues songs. It cleverly integrates rock guitars, Syrian violins, Cuban trumpets, Egyptian ney and even Dogon percussion, offering an audio feast of world culture.

The couple put their work under a broader scope. "No matter whether it's British, Cuban or Chinese music, we will learn from them and get more inspiration," Amadou said.

"Some of our lyrics may be a bit melancholic and evoke people to think. But we also want to invite everyone to dance to the dynamic rhythms," he said.

But all is meant to highlight the purpose of music. "Happiness, that's the most important thing. We hope to bring a smile to our audience," he added. "And at the same time, we'd like to show people the beauty of love and hope in this world."

Great duo

Known as "the blind couple from Mali", they have managed to create an impressive career span of nearly four decades, and bring on new albums and performances to the world.

Amadou's natural gift in music was found when he was 2 years old, Mariam at 6. Both were exposed to music at a very early age in Mali's Institute for the Young Blind, so the two musicians believe in the important of art education among youngsters. "We spend every single day of our lives with music. It has become a part of us."

Amadou said their shared passion toward music makes the band a reality. "We listen to each other, talk to each other and give advice to one another. Together, we grow to be mature musicians," he said.

"It's been quite a journey for us, with a lot of struggle and effort, to become the Amadou & Mariam duo. Patience is also a key to success," Mariam said.

Music bonds

Talking about their tour in China, Amadou and Mariam smiled. "China is growing on us. Audiences loved our gig last night. We sang and danced together, clapped to the beat," Amadou said.

Their impression of Chinese music goes all the way back to childhood memories, when they heard some Chinese songs through local radio. "I still remember that, because it was an entirely new type of music, so different from anything I knew. I like it very much," he recalled.

For them, music bonds people even before words. "If a Chinese moves to the neighborhood in Mali, we can tell he or she comes from China based on the music played in the house," Amadou said. "There is no need to talk. Wherever is music, there is joy and friendship."