Amadou and Mariam to collaborate with David Gilmour

International stars Amadou and Mariam have confirmed a very special collaboration with David Gilmour for Crisis Hidden Gigs. This unique performance will take place on Monday 25th May 2009 in an intimate venue in central London and is the only confirmed live appearance from the British legend this year. However the venue will remain "hidden" until 24-hours before the gig, when a text or email will be sent to ticket holders.

Mariam Doumbia (vocals) and Amadou Bagayoko (guitar and vocals) met whilst attending the Institute for Young Blind in Bamako in 1977. Following their first concert as a duo in 1980 they went on to record and tour internationally, and found worldwide success with the release of their Grammy nominated album 'Dimanche a Bamako'. The duo's success continues to escalate via their recent collaboration with Damon Albarn's Africa Express project, and through support slots for Blur and Coldplay this summer.

The one-off live collaboration with David Gilmour for Crisis aims to raise awareness of and money for hidden homeless people in the UK1. The series of Crisis Hidden Gigs throughout May and June will be a fantastic opportunity to see top acts in intimate, unusual spaces - making for a unique musical experience.

By withholding details until the last minute, Crisis aims to raise awareness of the precarious situation facing hidden homeless people, who often don't know where they will end up each night and are often forced to move from place to place.

Talking about the forthcoming performance David Gilmour said. "The global financial crisis has led to a human crisis in the UK. Thousands of people are losing their jobs and many will see their homes repossessed. As a long-term supporter of Crisis, I have seen how its life-changing services help to transform homeless people's lives. I am performing with Amadou and Mariam to help raise vital funds at a time when Crisis' services are needed more than ever."

The Crisis Hidden Gigs was officially launched by Hot Chip at Village Underground and forthcoming gigs include indie legends Dodgy and The Bluetones on Sunday 17th May, Starsailor, Bombay Bicycle Club and Portico Quartet on 2nd June and Pendulum and Zane Lowe on June 17th.

http://www.myspace.com/amadouandmariam