Remembering Manu Dibango: The Jazz Legend Lost to COVID-19

Joel Savage and Manu Dibango

Jazz great Manu Dibango, best known for his 1972 hit “Soul Makossa,” has died from complications of the coronavirus, according to a statement on his official Facebook page.

“It is with deep sadness that we announce the loss of Manu Dibango, our Papy Groove, who passed away on the 24th of March 2020, at 86 years old, further to Covid-19,” it said.

“His funeral service will be held in strict privacy, and a tribute to his memory will be organized when possible,” the message added.

Manu Dibango in Conversation with Joel Savage: Reflections on Music, Legacy, and Life

Joel Savage and Manu Dibango


Manu Dibango is perhaps one of the world's best jazz saxophonists. A true international superstar, with a career starting in the '50s. At 15, he was sent to Paris to prepare for a professional career. 

 

He is a tireless globe-trotting musician. Last year, he played for hundreds of fans at the "Mano-Mundo festival" in Antwerp, and this year he was invited once again to play at the "Pole-pole festival" in Gent. Both cities are in Belgium. Now he speaks to me about his passion for music.