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.

Ekow Alabi Savage: Blending Reggae and Highlife for a Global Audience

Ghanaian musician, Ekow Alabi Savage

Music is inspirational, even if the lyrics are in a foreign language; it still draws people to the dance floor. One of Africa’s musicians who has gained international recognition with his sweet blend of Reggae and Highlife is German-based Ghanaian musician, Ekow Alabi Savage.

At the time when Africa’s dream of autonomy was slowly becoming reality, and the first President of Ghana joined the youth to build a modern nation, Ekow Alabi was born in Ghana in the city of Cape Coast, once the capital of the "Gold Coast.”

MORY KANTE COMES TO MANO MUNDO FESTIVAL

Mory Kanté


Mano Mundo, a nice and interesting festival taking place yearly under the umbrella of the Antwerp Province, kicks off on the 12 and 13 May 2012, respectively. 


In the past, the festival had hosted famous musicians from different countries globally, including Tutu Puoane, Manu Dibango, and a host of others to entertain the people at Schorre in Boom.

This year, among other musicians to perform at the festival is the great Guinean musician known as Mory Kanté. Mory was born in Guinea on May 29, 1950. As a vocalist and player of the kora, a traditional harp, his golden voice and skills on the kora made him a genius among other traditional musicians from Africa.

In 1987, Kanté became internationally known for his hit "Yeke Yeke," which was one of Africa's best-ever-selling hits as well as being a European number one in 1988, making it the first-ever African single to sell over one million copies. It was in Munich, 1988, that I heard this great song pulling everyone to the dance floor.

In 1994, his international stardom excelled when the German techno duo Hardfloor created a dance remix of "Yéké Yéké." He also appeared in 2006 as a vocalist on British DJ Darren Tate's release, "Narama." On 16 October 2001, Mory Kanté was nominated Goodwill Ambassador of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations.