France — Manu Dibango, a saxophone legend and jazz icon known for his 1972 hit Soul Makossa, has died from complications of the coronavirus, according to a statement on his official Facebook page.
His funeral will take place in “strict privacy,” adding that condolences can be sent through email and a tribute will be arranged “when possible.”
According to reports, the Cameroonian singer and saxophonist died in a hospital in Paris, France, where he regularly performed before.
The musician, who was one of the pioneers of Afro-jazz fused with funk music and traditional music from Cameroon, is best known for his hit Soul Makossa.
In 2009, Dibango filed a lawsuit against Michael Jackson and Rihanna claiming they used the hook “Mama-say, mama-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa” from his hit song without his permission. Jackson settled the case out of court.