Cameroonian musician and songwriter who played saxophone and vibraphone Emmanuel N’Djoké Dibango has died today after succumbing to COVID-19 pandemic.

Through an announcement by the family says Dibango has died a the age of 86.”It is with deep sadness that we announce you the loss of Manu Dibango, our Papy Groove, who passed away on 24th of March 2020, at 86 years old, further to covid 19.His funeral service will be held in strict privacy, and a tribute to his memory will be organized when possible.” Reads the announcement.

Those wishing to express condolences have been advised to write tomanu@manudibango.net.

Dibango was born on 12 December 1933. He developed a musical style fusing jazz, funk, and traditional Cameroonian music.He was best known for his 1972 single “Soul Makossa”. He died of Covid-19 on 24 March 2020.