A highly respected musician world over, Cameroon-based saxophone legend Manu Dibango has passed away after succumbing to the coronavirus that has taken several thousand lives around the world. Dibango, aged 86, had died yesterday (March 24), with the news of his death being announced on his official Facebook page and several notable musicians from across the globe conveying their condolences. The statement on Manu Dibango's Facebook page read as follows: “It is with deep sadness that we announce you the loss of Manu Dibango, our Papy Groove,”. The funeral proceedings will take place in "strict privacy" with request being laid out for people to send their condolences by email while also being informed that a tribute will be arranged "when possible".

Known for his hit single 'Soul Makossa', the reputed saxophonist is one of the first global stars to die from the COVID-19 virus, which has brought life as we know to a complete halt in the world with economies taking a major hit as well after people around the world have been told to adopt social distancing for the next few days.

The Cameroonian saxophonist shot to worldwide popularity after he made innovative fusion music by combining jazz and funk along with traditional sounds from his home country. Manu Dibango's name hit headlines in 2009 when he filed a lawsuit stating the late American singer and pop music icon Michael Jackson stole a hook from his song, 'Soul Makossa', for two tracks on his best-selling album, Thriller, with the case later going to be settled out of court.