World renowned artist and international superstar, Manu Dibango was born on December12, 1933 in Douala, Cameroon, as Emmanuel Ndjocké DIBANGO. The saxophonist, Manu Dibango, is often referred to as The Lion of Cameroon, and his music has taken him all over the world. He has been working as a UNESCO Artist for Peace. The 75-year-old Dibango celebrated his 50th anniversary in music with the release of Lion of Africa, a live recording of a recent concert in London.As a music icon and Soul makossa king, Manu Dibango, began celebrations marking the Golden Jubilee of his musical career on December 18, 2007 in Yaoundé. These Golden Jubilee celebrations of the man who for 50 years has faithfully projected the image of the country abroad through music were patronised by President Paul BIYA. Developing a big sound like Sonny Rollins's, Dibango expanded his horizons and became a band leader, playing soul, funk and hiphop in concert halls and clubs around Europe. He was a World Music pioneer before the term was invented.
As part of celebration marking half a century in music, Manu staged a grand concert at the “Casino de Paris” on March 20, 2007 accompanied by his 14 man band of musicians known as “Maraboutik Band”.
Manu in Cameroon
During his visit to Cameroon, the musician was special guest at the Presidency during the New Year wishes ceremony granted to President Paul Biya by the Diplomatic and National dignitaries. He was equally received in audience by Prime Minister, Ephraim Inoni and the Minister of Culture, AmaTutu Muna. He visited the Chantal Biya Foundation and staged a number of musical concerts in Yaoundé and Douala.
Manu was thankful to the head of state Paul Biya, for inviting him to celebrate the Golden jubilee of his musical career in Cameroon. He says amongst his priorities is the need to project Cameroon’s image abroad through music. A film on a Paris concert that launched his silver jubilee celebration was projected at the Hilton hotel. A host of journalists assembled to ask more about the man whose popularity world wide remains a pride to his compatriots.
Manu Dibango was raised to the rank of “Honorary Citizen” by the Government Delegate of the Yaoundé Urban council, Gilbert Tsimi Evouna, who also gave him a symbolic key of the Yaoundé city council. One advice from the delegate to the visiting star: “...show the light and let young Cameroonians follow...”
As part of his jubilee celebration in Cameroon, the international music star also communed with CRTV personnel, during a visit at the production centre; a visit that was punctuated by an audience accorded him by CRTV’s General Manager Amadou Vamoulke. Manu Dibango’s presence at the CRTV news room was an occasion for the soul makossa star to get closer to the men and women who bring the news to the public.
Brief history
Manu started as a professional musician in February 1957 in Brussels after he left Cameroon at the age of 15. His Parents sacrificed to pay for college in France in those days when money was very scarce, this ushered in an occasion to study classical piano. Manu Dibango’s musical career was also, influenced by his family background. His mother was a choir mistress while his paternal uncle played harmonium. Manu at his early age had access to this instrument that was not very familiar to Africans.
Manu Dibango: A New Race
Manu Dibango makes it abundantly clear that he belongs to a new race, he is a musician. He does not want to be referred to as a Cameroonian, a French citizen or what ever.
His characteristic shaven cranium (skull) makes him much younger. This “Look” of his, is only reminiscent of a wise village elder, and he does indeed have a philosophical tongue. The portrait of a pop star, Oral historian and father can easily be depicted from his age, what he does and what he says.
One of his most popular hits was written and recorded in 1972 in New York. Millions of copies of «Soul Makossa" (based on a Cameroonian dance) was sold around the world. One popular magazine has rated Manu Dibango’s new album "Wakafrika" as star map of the world beat... The Pop Star is still creating Afro-global fusions that are both professional and enjoyable."
As part of celebration marking half a century in music, Manu staged a grand concert at the “Casino de Paris” on March 20, 2007 accompanied by his 14 man band of musicians known as “Maraboutik Band”.
Manu in Cameroon
During his visit to Cameroon, the musician was special guest at the Presidency during the New Year wishes ceremony granted to President Paul Biya by the Diplomatic and National dignitaries. He was equally received in audience by Prime Minister, Ephraim Inoni and the Minister of Culture, AmaTutu Muna. He visited the Chantal Biya Foundation and staged a number of musical concerts in Yaoundé and Douala.
Manu was thankful to the head of state Paul Biya, for inviting him to celebrate the Golden jubilee of his musical career in Cameroon. He says amongst his priorities is the need to project Cameroon’s image abroad through music. A film on a Paris concert that launched his silver jubilee celebration was projected at the Hilton hotel. A host of journalists assembled to ask more about the man whose popularity world wide remains a pride to his compatriots.
Manu Dibango was raised to the rank of “Honorary Citizen” by the Government Delegate of the Yaoundé Urban council, Gilbert Tsimi Evouna, who also gave him a symbolic key of the Yaoundé city council. One advice from the delegate to the visiting star: “...show the light and let young Cameroonians follow...”
As part of his jubilee celebration in Cameroon, the international music star also communed with CRTV personnel, during a visit at the production centre; a visit that was punctuated by an audience accorded him by CRTV’s General Manager Amadou Vamoulke. Manu Dibango’s presence at the CRTV news room was an occasion for the soul makossa star to get closer to the men and women who bring the news to the public.
Brief history
Manu started as a professional musician in February 1957 in Brussels after he left Cameroon at the age of 15. His Parents sacrificed to pay for college in France in those days when money was very scarce, this ushered in an occasion to study classical piano. Manu Dibango’s musical career was also, influenced by his family background. His mother was a choir mistress while his paternal uncle played harmonium. Manu at his early age had access to this instrument that was not very familiar to Africans.
Manu Dibango: A New Race
Manu Dibango makes it abundantly clear that he belongs to a new race, he is a musician. He does not want to be referred to as a Cameroonian, a French citizen or what ever.
His characteristic shaven cranium (skull) makes him much younger. This “Look” of his, is only reminiscent of a wise village elder, and he does indeed have a philosophical tongue. The portrait of a pop star, Oral historian and father can easily be depicted from his age, what he does and what he says.
One of his most popular hits was written and recorded in 1972 in New York. Millions of copies of «Soul Makossa" (based on a Cameroonian dance) was sold around the world. One popular magazine has rated Manu Dibango’s new album "Wakafrika" as star map of the world beat... The Pop Star is still creating Afro-global fusions that are both professional and enjoyable."
Elvis Teke.
