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Afro-jazz star Manu Dibango dies after contracting coronavirus
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In this file photo taken on June 30, 2018, Emmanuel N'Djoke Dibango, known as Manu Dibango, saxophonist and Franco-Cameroonian singer of world jazz, performs during his concert at the Ivory Hotel Abidjan. (AFP/Sia Kambou)
Veteran Afro-jazz star Manu Dibango died on Tuesday after contracting the new coronavirus, his representatives have confirmed.
The 86-year-old Cameroonian, best known for the 1972 hit "Soul Makossa", is one of the first worldwide stars to die as a result of COVID-19.
"He died early this morning in a hospital in the Paris region," his music publisher Thierry Durepaire said.
A message on his official Facebook page confirmed that his death had come after he contracted COVID-19.
"His funeral service will be held in strict privacy, and a tribute to his memory will be organized when possible," the message said.
Read also: Tom Hanks 'better' after virus quarantine Down Under
The saxophonist was one of the pioneers of Afro jazz and also fused funk with traditional Cameroonian music.
His biggest hit was the B-side of a song to support the Cameroon football team in the African Cup of Nations but was picked up and popularised by New York DJs.
In 2009, he accused Michael Jackson of borrowing one of his hooks for two songs on the legendary "Thriller" album.
Jackson settled out of court.
