Manu Dibango, the Cameroonian saxophonist, and vibraphonist, carved a six-decade career shaping African music. His fusion of jazz, funk, and African rhythms birthed the global sensation “Soul Makossa” in 1972, a trailblazing hit defining Afrobeat. Collaborating with icons like Herbie Hancock and Fela Kuti, Dibango’s innovative sound, cultural advocacy, and global impact solidified his legacy as an African music pioneer. His 2020 passing marked the end of a musical era, yet his influential melodies endure across continents.
Manu Dibango
