With reports of top personalities contracting the viral coronavirus, African legendary saxophonist, Manu Dibango becomes the first to die from the epidemic in Paris.
The announcement of his death was made public via his Facebook page which reads;
“It is with deep sadness that we announce you the loss of Manu Dibango, our Papy Groove,”
Manu Dibango, who was best known for his 1972 hit Soul Makossa, is one of the first global stars to die from Covid-19 after it has affected top local and international personalities like Idris Elba, Nigerian politician Abba Kyari and many others.
Over his long career, the 86-year-old who fused jazz and funk music with traditional sounds from his home country, Cameroon, has collaborated with numerous artists over his long career. Some of these collaborations include US pianist Herbie Hancock, Nigeria’s Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti and many others.
Paying her tribute over the memory of the life Manu Dibango lived, Legendary singer and Grammy Awards winner, Angelique Kidjo wrote this on Twitter;
Verified
Dear #ManuDibango, you’ve always been there for me from my beginnings in Paris to this rehearsal just 2 months ago! You re the original Giant of African Music and a beautiful human being. This coda of #SoulMakossa is for you!
Verified
Dear #ManuDibango, you’ve always been there for me from my beginnings in Paris to this rehearsal just 2 months ago! You re the original Giant of African Music and a beautiful human being. This coda of #SoulMakossa is for you! pic.twitter.com/3pGoICwjCn— Angelique Kidjo (@angeliquekidjo) March 24, 2020
The funeral of Manu Dibango , according to the statement, will take place in “strict privacy”, but it went further to ask people to send their condolences via email and that a tribute will be arranged “when possible” due to the ongoing covid-19.