R.I.P.: Musician Manu Dibango Dies at 86 From Coronavirus Complications
March 24, 2020 7:26PM EDT
The music world has lost another legend.
The Associated Press reports that Afro-Jazz icon Manu Dibango passed away in a Paris hospital on Tuesday (Mar. 24) from COVID-19 complications. He was 86 years old.
Born in Cameroon, the saxophonist was best known for his international hit, 1975’s Soul Makossa. The song’s catchy chant was famously sampled in Michael Jackson’s Wanna Be Startin’ Something, as well as Rihanna’s Don’t Stop The Music. (Dibango would end up suing both artists in 2009 for using the song. The Jackson case would settle out of court.)
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Dibango will be honored in a small, private ceremony. A larger tribute will be held when possible.
Dibango is survived by four children.