adminYAOUNDE. – A documentary about legendary musician, Manu Dibango, who died three years ago of Covid-19 complications, is now airing in Cameroon.
The programme started airing on CRTV at 5pm on Saturday.
It is a celebration of Dibango, a towering figure in African music.
He rose from Cameroon to conquer the world.
The veteran Afro-jazz star succumbed to the coronavirus pandemic at a hospital in the French capital, Paris, on March 24, 2020.
He was 86.
The Cameroonian was best known for the 1972 hit “Soul Makossa.”
Several high-profile personalities, from Presidents to fellow artists and fans from across the world, have been united in celebrating his life and craft – testament to how the saxophonist, singer and songwriter was a big global star.
Here are some quick facts about Dibango
Born in 1933 in the city of Douala, he attended church from where he honed his music skills.
Celebrated for a unique blend of jazz, funk and traditional Cameroonian music.
Influenced bands from Kool and the Gang in the 1970s to hip-hop in the 1990s.
Best known for his hit Soul Makossa. Video below
He served as the pioneer chairman of the Cameroon Music Corporation.
UNESCO appointed him Artist for Peace in 2004
Collaborated with several artists, including Nigeria’s Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti and US pianist Herbie Hancock.
On record to have sued Michael Jackson and Rihanna in 2009, accusing the duo of unlawfully adopting some of his lyrics. He eventually settled out of court.
Dibango’s global legend was tied to his hit song Soul Makossa, which was originally composed for the African Cup of Nations in Cameroon that year.
The ambassador of Afro-jazz, although he is African and deeply rooted in his homeland, always considered his music as a link between cultures and generations.
Despite his advanced age, he continued in the field and teamed with the younger generation.
He has explored rhythms as diverse as reggae, rap and electronic music; celebrating traditional Africa and contemporary jazz with his stentorian voice. – Africanews/lenouveaucameroun.cm.
Online Reporter