Saxophonist Manu Dibango dies

The veteran afro-jazz saxophonist and singer Manu Dibango has died at the age of 86, having been infected with Coronavirus at his home in France.

The news broke on his official Facebook page this morning, with members of his family writing: “It is with deep sadness that we announce the loss of our Papy Groove, who passed away on 24th of March."

"His funeral service will be held in strict privacy, and a tribute to his memory will be organized when possible.”

Dibango was born in Cameroon and started his music career as a member of the seminal Congolese rumba group African Jazz before going solo and collaborating with names including Fela Kuti, Herbie Hancock and Ladysmith Black Mambazo. He’ll be most remembered for his hit song Soul Makossa, which was sampled by Michael Jackson.

Dibango served as the first chairman of the Cameroon Music Corporation and was appointed a UNESCO Artist for Peace in 2004.

Our thoughts and feelings are with Dibango's family and friends during this difficult time.