COVID-19

Cameroonian Afro-jazz legend, Manu Dibango’s death is one that hit the continent and beyond. The ‘Soul Makossa’ author died at the age of 86. His family disclosed in a Facebook post that the singer and celebrated saxophonist’s death was as a result of the new coronavirus. Dibango is celebrated for one of the biggest planetary hits in world music, “Soul Makossa” (released in 1972). he was said to be the first global celebrity to die from the virus. He died in a Parisian hospital, manager of his music publishing business, Thierry Durepaire told AFP. A statement released by the family read: “It is with deep sadness that we announce to you the loss of Manu Dibango, our Papy Groove, who passed away on 24th of March 2020, at 86 years old, due to covid-19.” • Born in 1933 in the city of Douala, he attended church from where he honed his music skills. • Celebrated for a unique blend of jazz, funk and traditional Cameroonian music. • Influenced bands from Kool and the Gang in the 1970s to hip-hop in the 1990s. • Best known for his hit Soul Makossa. • He served as the pioneer chairman of the Cameroon Music Corporation. • UNESCO appointed him Artist for Peace in 2004 • Collaborated with several artists including Nigeria’s Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti and US pianist Herbie Hancock. • On record to have sued Michael Jackson and Rihanna in 2009, accusing the duo of unlawfully adopting some of his lyrics. He eventually settled out of court.