Amadou and Mariam patrons of Attitude is Everything

Attitude is Everything are very proud to announce that Amadou and Mariam have become our newest patrons and have joined our campaign to improve Deaf and disabled people's access to live music.

"We feel very concerned about this issue because we are both disabled ourselves and it is something that directly affects us. We must make sure that everybody can go and watch shows" Amadou and Mariam.

Attitude is Everything's Chief Executive Officer caught up with one half of the world music duo, Amadou, just before the show on 21st June 2009 at the Jazz Café, where Amadou and Mariam have a monthly residence.

Amadou and I began with discussing their up-coming appearance at Glastonbury, where the couple were both very excited about performing on the Sunday afternoon. When I told Amadou all about the Attitude is Everything showcase on the Dada Stage on Saturday afternoon, he described it as a "brilliant opportunity" for Deaf and disabled artists to perform.

I was particularly interested to know why Amadou and Mariam had chosen to have their residence at the Jazz Café, as this venue has an accessible toilet and the stage can very easily be ramped for performers. Amadou explained that they were offered a great deal by the Jazz Café that was too good to refuse and the conditions were perfect for their residency, but he was pleased to learn that in addition, the access was good at such a prestigious venue.

In comparison to London's music venues, Amadou believes that Parisian venues are slightly better when it came to access, but then he said that he had not had the chance to visit many London venues yet.

"Anyway, no matter how accessible the venue is, there is always more to be done", Amadou added.

We discussed at length the pressures put on Deaf and disabled musicians by the music industry and how hard it can be when record companies put so much emphasis on image and physical beauty. We agreed that this is particularly difficult if you have a physical impairment.

Amadou are Mariam are both visually impaired and so Amadou had some really key advice to Deaf and disabled performers.

"Is it not enough just to be average, or good, you have to be absolutely amazing. You have to prove yourself by going out there and showing the world what you can do."

I guess what he was saying is that you have to silence your critics with your talent and use your talent to challenge society's perceptions.

Amadou and Mariam's monthly residence at the Jazz Café (which is accessible) is usually every third weekend in the month, please see press for details. Their latest album, "Welcome to Mali" features Damon Albarn and Tiken Jah Fakoly, amongst others, and to find out more, their website is www.amadou-mariam.com

Thank you to Marc-Antoine Moreau, Amadou and Mariam's manager, for arranging the interview and for translating for me (my nervousness meant that my ability to speak half decent French completely disappeared!)

Amadou and Mariam join our other patrons Robert Wyatt, Alan McGee, Blaine Harrison, Susan Hedges and Mat Fraser. For more information about Attitude is Everything and our campaign to improve Deaf and disabled people's access to live music, please see our website www.attitudeiseverything.org.uk or telephone 020 7383 7979.