As much as Manu is revered as the father of Makossa in Cameroon and one of Africa’s greatest saxophonists, it is his experimentation both in and out of music that is startling. He was also a philanthropist, singer, composer, pianist, vibraphonist and xylophonist, whose innovative jazz, rap, gospel, electro and funk fusions and expansive collaborative work played a significant role in introducing European and North American audiences to the traditional and contemporary sounds of West Africa.
He released over seventy albums and collaborations. His 1994 album “Wakafrika” brought together the African music heavyweights, Youssou N’Dour, King Sunny Ade, Salif Keita, Angelique Kidjo, Papa Wemba, Ray Lema and the accapella group, Ladysmith Black Mambazo. He often used such musical and personal influence to garner support for humanitarian causes and he was named UNESCO peace artist of the year in 2004.
Manu’s 1995 album “Lamastabastani” is a return to his spiritual roots with a mixture of gospel music and blues. He is quoted as saying, “I’m a child raised in the Hallelujah!”
