The tragic death of Manu Dibango at 86 quickly swept through the internet as one of the world’s popular musicians to die from the new coronavirus. African artists including Angelique Kidjo are dispirited by his passing.
Manu Dibango was born in Douala, Cameroon and France was his home for more than half his life. He began his musical journey by learning instruments including piano saxophone in high school in France.
His music style is a combination of urbane African and European rhythms with which he made his biggest hit, Soul Makossa. The track was the theme song for the 1972 African Cup of Nations.
The singer had a popular line “ma ma se, ma ma sa, ma ma kosa” in the track. The line became a piece in the songs of other artists including Michael Jackson and Rihanna for which he sued them both in 2009.
Angelique Kidjo calls Manu Dibango the “Original Giant of African Music”
Angelique Kidjo paid a public tribute to Manu Dibango by sharing a photo them both from two months ago. She said “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!”
A Twitter fan also made a complimentary statement. His Tweet reads “Manu Dibango is to Angelique Kidjo what Kenny Rogers is to Dolly Paton”.
This was to imply how close both African singers were and Angelique Kidjo didn’t mind retweeting it.
Close friends and family will hold a funeral service for Dibango which only about 20 people will attend.
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