Emmanuel Dibango N’Djocke was born in Douala in 1933 to a musical Protestant family. His mother was Douala and his father, Yabassi. He sang in a local church where his mother was a choir leader and was quickly noticed for his precocious music talents. In 1949, he was sent to study in France.
To the disappointment of his father, who wanted him to become a medical doctor or lawyer, Manu failed his high school exams and took up music, performing in nightclubs in Belgium instead. It was evident that Manu was always interested in breaking boundaries.
His gamble paid off and he became Makossa’s global pioneer. However, since Manu considered himself a musician first and not just an African musician, he broke boundaries even further with his wide repertoire and musical experimentation with numerous genres and artists. It is sadly ironic that he has again broken boundaries again by becoming the first music superstar to die of COVID-19.
In a short message published on social networks, the family of the music legend announced.
It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of Manu Dibango, our Grandpa Groove, on March 24, 2020 at the age of 86, from the consequences of COVID-19.”
Adieu Grandpa Groove. Adieu “Ma-ma-se, ma-ma-sa, ma-ma-ko-sa.”
RIP MANU DIBANGO, 1933 – 2020
About The Author:
Nkiacha Atemnkeng is a Cameroonian Writer and Music Journalist. His work has been published in The Africa Report, Culture Trip, Bakwa, Saraba and Gyara magazines. He is a Goethe Institut/Sylt Foundation writing residency fellow. Find him on Twitter: @nkiacha
