SCISSOR SISTERS - AMADOU AND MARIAM TO SUPPORT SCISSOR SISTERS

West African act Amadou and Mariam have been announced as the support act for the forthcoming Scissor Sisters UK tour.

The duo will support the band on six dates and were personally requested by the New Yorkers after they met at Bestival last year.

Scissor Sisters singer Jake Shears said: "The moment I first saw Amadou and Mariam live I was an instant convert.

"Anybody that could just stand through one of their shows or albums and not feel a euphoric sense of joy does not have a heart. It is both humbling and an honour to be playing shows with such incredible musicians."

The tour will call at London's O2 Arena on July 26th, 27th and 28th before heading up to Manchester for three nights at the MEN on July 30th and 31st and August 1st.

Amadou and MAriam have enjoyed an enhance profile since the release of the album Dimance a Bamako in 2005.

The LP has gone on to sell half a million copies and reached number two in the French charts.

It was also recognised at the 2005 Mojo awards and the BBC Radio 3 awards for world music.