Manu Dibango Profile and Discography

Go Back

Manu Dibango

First Name:

Other Names:

Last Name:

Stage Name:

Country:

Born:

D.O.D:

Primary Language:

Other Languages:

Participations

Performer

Bio

Manu Dibango, born in Douala, Cameroon, was a revered musician, composer, and saxophonist who played a vital role in introducing African music to the global stage. Growing up in a diverse cultural environment, Dibango developed a distinct sound on the saxophone, blending Cameroonian rhythms with jazz, funk, and Afrobeat influences. In 1972, he gained international recognition with the release of "Soul Makossa," a chart-topping hit that propelled him to global fame. Dibango's music transcended boundaries, captivating audiences worldwide. His live performances showcased his exceptional talent and stage presence, leaving a lasting impact on listeners. Manu Dibango's legacy endures. Despite his passing on March 24, 2020, his unique sound and pioneering efforts continue to inspire and resonate with music lovers globally.

Discography

Albums³⁴

M & M2017 • AlbumTracks: 10

Balade En Saxo2013 • AlbumTracks: 18

Past Present Future - French Version2011 • AlbumTracks: 14

Ballad Emotion2011 • AlbumTracks: 20

Choc ’N Soul: 1978‐1989 Sessions2010 • AlbumTracks: 12

African Woodoo - 20082008 • AlbumTracks: 17

Lion Of Africa2007 • AlbumTracks: 10

Manu Dibango Joue Sidney Bechet2007 • AlbumTracks: 14

From Africa2003 • AlbumTracks: 16

B Sides2002 • AlbumTracks: 15

Kamer Feeling2001 • AlbumTracks: 9

Mboa' Su Kamer Feelin'2000 • AlbumTracks: 7

CubAfrica1998 • AlbumTracks: 11

Manu Safari1998 • AlbumTracks: 20

Sax & Spirituals Lamastabastani1997 • AlbumTracks: 10

Negropolitaines Vol. 21995 • AlbumTracks: 9

Wakafrika1994 • AlbumTracks: 17

Manu Dibango Live 911991 • AlbumTracks: 9

Polysonik1990 • AlbumTracks: 10

Negropolitaines Vol. 11989 • AlbumTracks: 10

La Fête À Manu1988 • AlbumTracks: 7

Seventie's1987 • AlbumTracks: 12

Deliverance1987 • AlbumTracks: 8

Afrijazzy1986 • AlbumTracks: 8

Electric Africa - Remastered1985 • AlbumTracks: 4

Soft And Sweet1983 • AlbumTracks: 10

Le Prix De La Liberté - Bande Originale Du Film1978 • AlbumTracks: 8

Ceddo - Bande Originale Du Film1977 • AlbumTracks: 6

Gone Clear - The Complete Kingston Sessions1976 • AlbumTracks: 12

Super Kumba1974 • AlbumTracks: 8

Africadelic1972 • AlbumTracks: 12

Soul Makossa1972 • AlbumTracks: 7

African Voodoo1972 • AlbumTracks: 12

Saxy - Party1969 • AlbumTracks: 12

EPs¹³

Surtension1984 • EPTracks: 6

Mboa1982 • EPTracks: 6

Maya Ma Bobe - Makossa Mix1980 • EPTracks: 2

Home Made1979 • EPTracks: 4

Sun Explosion1978 • EPTracks: 4

Demain L'Afrique1977 • EPTracks: 2

Toumba1977 • EPTracks: 2

Manu 761976 • EPTracks: 6

Afrovision1976 • EPTracks: 6

Dikalo & Tele Miso1973 • EPTracks: 2

O Boso1972 • EPTracks: 7

The Soukouss1971 • EPTracks: 2

Oa Na Mba1971 • EPTracks: 2

Singles¹

Paris Je T'Aime D'Amour2020 • SingleTracks: 1

Label

Record Label associated with Manu Dibango - past and current.

Similar Artists

Beautiful Nubia

Nigeria |1968| Yoruba

Segun Akinlolu, known as Beautiful Nubia, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, composer, and band leader. Inspired by Nigeria's traditional culture, he founded EniObanke in 1997 and released his debut album. EniObanke Music Festival, Nigeria's first folk and roots music festival, was initiated by his company. In 1998, Beautiful Nubia formed The Roots Renaissance Band, gaining fame with their third album, "Jangbalajugbu," featuring the hit track "Owuro L'Ojo." Despite piracy, the album sold over a million copies. With 14 more studio albums, Beautiful Nubia's music is didactic, philosophical, and moving, advocating for personal development and social justice. His unique style has received acclaim and reached international charts. Segun Akinlolu continues to captivate audiences with his passion and cultural wisdom.

Eric Kol

Nigeria |1920| English

Born under Nigeria's post-colonial sun, Eric Kol's musical journey mirrored the nation's vibrant spirit. He started out belting covers in the soulful 60s, then birthed The Soul Kings in the 70s, crafting original tunes pulsating with funk and groove. But it was 1981's "Today" that cemented his legacy. This disco masterpiece, a hypnotic blend of Western influences and traditional rhythms, captured the infectious optimism of a Nigeria on the move. Though "Today" became a rare gem, its re-emergence in 2019 introduced Eric Kol's infectious grooves to a new generation, reminding us of the Nigerian maestro who once ruled the boogie nights. Kol is a true Nigerian music legend.

Zacks Nkosi

South Africa |1918| English

Isaac Zacks Nkosi, known as "Bra Zacks," was a South African band leader, composer, and saxophonist known for his contributions to the golden age of African Jazz in the 1950s and 1960s. Bra Zacks began his music career in his childhood, learning piano, organ, accordion, violin, and clarinet. He played professionally with some local bands before leading his own bands, including the Zig Zag Zacks Band, and recorded dozens of sides for the HMV and Columbia labels.

Hugh Masekela

South Africa |1939| English

Hugh Ramapolo Masekela was a well-known South African trumpeter, singer, and composer known as "the father of South African jazz." He wrote several anti-apartheid songs and had a number-one US pop hit with "Grazing in the Grass" in 1968. Masekela left South Africa in 1960 due to the increasing brutality of the Apartheid regime and went on to collaborate with musicians from West and Central Africa. Unfortunately, he died due to health challenges.

Ras Kimono

Nigeria |1958| English - Pidgin

Ras Kimono was a popular Nigerian reggae artist known for his socially-conscious lyrics and fusion of traditional African rhythms with reggae. He gained recognition in the 80s alongside other notable reggae musicians. His debut album "Under Pressure" in 1989 became an instant hit, featuring tracks like "Rum-Bar Stylee" and "Natty Get Jail." He was a vocal advocate of the common people in Nigeria, highlighting social and political issues in his music. Ras Kimono's legacy lives on after his passing in 2018.

Smart Nkansah

Ghana |1966| Ga

Smart Nkansah is a Ghanaian veteran highlife singer and guitarist and the founder of Sweet Talks Band. He had difficulty establishing himself because he grew up in a family that did not support his music career. His excellent guitar skills caught the attention of Mr Yamoah, who later absorbed him into his band. Smart later worked briefly with prominent highlife musicians before forming the Sweet Talks Band, which is best known for their debut hit album, Adam & Eve.