She says souvenirs bearing Manu Dibango’s constant smile will always remain in the minds of Africans. Cameroon state radio announced that Dibango died from COVID-19 complications in Paris, where he had lived for close to 40 years.
Dibango rose to international fame when he released this tune, Soul Makossa, a blend of Cameroonian and Congolese rhythms. It was used as the theme of the 1972 Africa Cup of Nations football tournament, and became one of the few African songs to reach the top 40 charts in the United States.
In 2009, Dibango filed a lawsuit asserting that Michael Jackson stole a hook from the song for Jackson’s hit “Wanna Be Starting Something.” Jackson settled the case out of court.
Over a career that lasted more than six decades, Dibango released 70 albums and worked with artists such as South Africa’s Ladysmith Black Mombazo and American jazz composer Herbie Hancock.
Cameroonian singer and composer Adeline Mbehnkum says Dibango’s works will always be remembered. She says the saxophonist was a blessing to Cameroon.
“We are going to miss his simplicity, his positive attitude towards constructing and his love for country,” she said. “Despite his long stay in France, Manu Dibango has remained very attached to this country. We will miss him a lot, but I know that his works will live and will continue to guide the younger generation that is coming up.”
A message on Dibango’s official Facebook page adds that his funeral service will be held in strict privacy, and a tribute to his memory will be organized when possible. His fans say they regret that they will not be able to bury their icon back at home.