Manu Dibango

Birth Name:

Emmanuel N'Djoké Dibango

Birth Date:

December 12, 1933

Birth Place:

Douala, French Cameroon

Death Date:

March 24, 2020

Place of Death:

Groupe Hospitalier du Sud-Île-de-France, Melun, France

Age:

Cause of Death:

Complications related to COVID-19

Cemetery Name:

Cimetière du Père Lachaise

Claim to Fame:

Music

Manu Dibango (1933–2020) was a Cameroonian saxophonist, composer, and bandleader whose genre-blending style made him one of Africa’s most influential musical ambassadors. Born in Douala, he moved to Europe as a teenager and developed his craft in Belgium and France, absorbing jazz, rhythm and blues, and other Western styles. His breakthrough came in 1972 with “Soul Makossa,” a pioneering Afro-funk track built on infectious grooves and his signature saxophone riffs; the song became a global hit and helped introduce African popular music to international audiences. Throughout his long career, Dibango collaborated with artists across genres—from Fela Kuti to Herbie Hancock—while continually exploring new sounds, including jazz, funk, reggae, and traditional Cameroonian rhythms. Beyond music, he was known for his warm personality, cultural advocacy, and mentorship of younger African musicians. He remained active into his later years, performing and recording until his death in 2020.

Fun Facts

In 1982, Michael Jackson used the “Ma ma-se, ma ma-sa, ma ma-kossa” hook from Dibango’s 1972 single “Soul Makossa”, without his permission and without credit, for his 1983 song “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin'” from his superhit 1982 album Thriller. When Dibango found out, he considered suing the megastar, but Jackson was quick to admit that he had borrowed the line and the matter was settled out of court.

His song “Reggae Makossa” is featured on the soundtrack to the 2006 video game Scarface: The World Is Yours. His song “New Bell” is featured on the soundtrack to the 2008 video game Grand Theft Auto IV in the radio station International Funk 99.

Cemetery Information:

Final Resting Place:

Cimetière du Père Lachaise

16 Rue du Repos, 6ème division, Chemin Lesseps

Paris, , 75020

France

Europe

Map:

Cimetière du Père-Lachaise in Paris, France

Grave Location:

Division 44, avenue transversale n°2, line 1

Grave Location Description

As you make your way through the cemetery, head for the massive columbarium and crematorium. Division 44 can be found across the street along Avenue Transversale n°2. International jazz legend Manu Dibango can be found on Avenue Transversale n°2 near the intersection of Avenue Aguado.

Grave Location GPS

48.862278, 2.395333

Photos:

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FAQ's

Manu Dibango was born on December 12, 1933.

Manu Dibango was born in Douala, French Cameroon.

Manu Dibango died on March 24, 2020.

Manu Dibango died in Groupe Hospitalier du Sud-Île-de-France, Melun, France.

Manu Dibango was 86.

The cause of death was Complications related to COVID-19.

Manu Dibango's grave is in Cimetière du Père Lachaise

Videos Featuring Manu Dibango:

Manu Dibango Jazz in Marciac 2017

Soul Makossa - Manu Dibango

Manu Dibango - Duala Serenade - Safari Symphonique - Grand Rex - 2019

Manu Dibango @ Nuits du Sud • 2012

Big brother Manu Dibango et Sallè John au Festival Jazz de Marciac

Watch YouTube video titled Manu Dibango & le Soul Makossa Gang Live in Paris 2005

Manu Dibango