“Papa Manu, rest in peace”: tribute to the legendary saxophonist, Manu Dibango, coronavirus death
“Papa Manu, rest in peace”
Legendary Cameroonian saxophonist Manu Dibango died on March 24, 2020 of the Covid-19 at the age of 86. The entire planet has lost a remarkable artist who has led to promoting music culture in Africa and around the world. He managed to impose world music, between soul, jazz and African music.
A multi-talented man, he also knew how to play the piano, sing, and arrange this music like a real conductor.
What happened ?
“Soul Makossa” artist had been hospitalized in Melun, in the Paris region, after having tested positive for Covid-19. In the early morning, he left.
How did his funeral take place?
They took place on Friday March 27 in a small committee, respecting the rules of containment following the coronavirus pandemic.
There were five members of the artist’s family, with a photo of Manu Dibango, saxophone with lips. This very moving photo has been commented on by many fans.
Cher Papa Manu, repose en paix
Dear Papa Manu, rest in peace pic.twitter.com/H8f9mzL1ld— Manu DIBANGO Officiel (@ManuDibango_Off) March 27, 2020
I first crossed paths w/ the great Manu Dibango in Paris back in the 50’s & had the great honor of seeing him 1 last time this past summer when he came backstage after my concert (also in Paris)…His contributions to music as we know it today are unparalleled, &… pic.twitter.com/05dgPVkS3o
— Quincy Jones (@QuincyDJones) March 24, 2020
Oh @manudibango ça m’amusait de t’appeler Kossipo-Chêne, tant s’imposait d’un continent à l’autre l’évidence de tes racines. Et de ta solidité. Quoi? librairies fermées, concerts annulés, on dirait la fin du monde, alors tu te barres! On fera comment, sans toi, après?
ChT— Christiane Taubira (@ChTaubira) March 24, 2020
Manu DIBANGO et ses parents en 1973 pic.twitter.com/443SsksH0q
— thierry ngogang (@Thierry_Ngogang) March 27, 2020
Manu Dibango aura vécu près de 70 ans en France sans prendre la nationalité Française. Il avait toujours son Passport « ndolé »
C’est la plus grande preuve de patriotisme que je connaisse. pic.twitter.com/CA4lUBlRql— steeves 🇨🇲🇫🇷 (@steevesTROKADER) March 25, 2020
“Soul Makossa”, his greatest success
Affectionately known as Papy Groove, in 1972 he composed the music “Soul Makossa” for African Cup of nations anthems. Huge success, this song will make it known internationally and will sell more than 50,000 copies. The music has been repeatedly sampled by Michael Jackson in “Wanna Be Starting Something”, and “” Don’t Stop The Music “by Rihanna.
We extend our condolences to his wife Marie-Josée and his children Michel, James, Marva and Georgia.