Original version

BBC World Service Online

Manu Dibango at 80

Factual: Arts, Culture & the Media

WSEnglish 16 9 Updated

Audrey Brown talks to saxophonist Emmanuel "Manu" N'Djoké Dibango on his long music career and reveals what makes him tick.

Manu Dibango at 80: Saxophonist Emmanuel N'Djoké Dibango

Emmanuel N'djoke Dibango - Saxophonist

21/12/2013

Saxophonist Emmanuel N'Djoké Dibango

BBC World Service - Manu Dibango at 80, Saxophonist Emmanuel N'Djoké Dibango

Cameroon music legend Emmanuel 'Manu' N'Djoké Dibango reflects on his long career

Saxophonist Emmanuel 'Manu' N'Djoké Dibango reflects on his long musical career and reveals what makes him tick.

From humble beginnings in Cameroon, saxophonist Emmanuel "Manu" N'Djoké Dibango has become one of Africa’s most-revered music legends. His musical style fuses jazz, funk and traditional Cameroonian music. His seminal LP Soul Makossa, released in 1972, catapulted him onto the global stage. The chart-topping track Wanna Be Starting Something by the late king of pop Michael Jackson, and Rihanna’s 2007 single Don’t Stop The Music all drew their inspiration from Soul Makossa. Manu, as his fans fondly call him, celebrated his 80th birthday this month (12 December). In a special conversation with the BBC's Audrey Brown, he reflects on his long music career and reveals what makes him tick.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Manu Dibango at 80

Saxophonist Emmanuel N'Djoké Dibango

Genres

Brand

BBC World Service Online

About BBC World Service