Coronavirus hits famous Cameroonian artist Manu (Emmanuel N’Djoke) Dibango while in hospital where he tested positive for coronavirus.
The 86-year-old saxophonist and vibraphone player, songwriter and singer on Wednesday broke the news on his official Facebook page but his close aides also confirmed that he had been admitted in a French hospital for a different disease when he contracted the virus.
In a Facebook statement Manu said, “Resting well and calmly recovering”.
His confidants confirmed that he had indeed been admitted in a French Hospital for a different disease when he contracted the virus but it was not specified which hospital.
The fuse jazz Cameroonian artiste called on his fans to respect his privacy, saying he can’t wait to meet his fans again soon.
Dibango’s hit song Soul Makossa—produced in 1972— is said to have influenced Michael Jackson’s Wanna Be Starting’ Somethin which was the opening track of the American’s famous album Thriller of 1982.
He had later accused the “King of Pop” Michael Jackson of borrowing one of his hooks for two songs on his legendary “Thriller” album.
Jackson later settled out of court.
With a catalogue of over 40 albums and several film soundtracks to his name, Manu Dibango has enjoyed a music career spanning several continents over five decades, during which he has worked with artists such as Herbie Hancock, Bootsy Collins, Bernie Worrel and the late, great, Grammy Award nominee – and Safaricom Jazz veteran – the late Hugh Masekela.
The saxophonist was one of the pioneers of Afro jazz, with his own style also fusing funk with traditional Cameroonian music.
His biggest hit was the B side of a song to support the Cameroon football team in the African Cup of Nations but was picked up and popularised by New York DJs, and played extensively by fans.