We miss Manu Dibango ...
Manu Dibango and Ernst Van Tiel (musical director of the Orchester national de Lyon), July 12, 2019 in Vienne (France) © Arthur Viguier / JAV 2019
By: Joe Farmer Follow
4 min
A year ago, on March 24, 2020, the famous Cameroonian saxophonist and conductor, Manu Dibango, passed away at the age of 86.
His round and warm voice still resonates in our memory and his last musical enthusiasms remain so present that the pleasure of listening to him being told again does not erode.
On July 12, 2019, the "Jazz à Vienne" festival offered him a stage at the height of his good-natured majesty.
In front of the 7000 spectators of the ancient theater, he narrated in music his epic through a "Safari Symphonique" carried by the strings of the National Orchestra of Lyon.
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Manu Dibango has always refused to be trapped by style barriers.
His open-mindedness and his science of rhythms and harmonies have avoided the implacable categorization of cultures desired by the recording industry.
His musical tastes went far beyond the strict framework of jazz and African music.
By taking the time to converse with this jovial instrumentalist, different facets of his personality could suddenly reappear.
Manu Dibango easily discussed the works of Handel, Bach, Rachmaninoff, Fela Kuti, Miles Davis, Gil Evans, if his interlocutor gave him the opportunity.
Admittedly, his welcoming smile invited more to playful exchanges but, in the twist of a joke, sometimes sprang up convictions that he liked to reaffirm.
The acuteness of his words presupposed attentive listening and sincere curiosity.
The Orchester national de Lyon at the service of Manu Dibango's repertoire, July 12, 2019, in Vienne (France).
© Arthur Viguier / JAV 2019
When he presented the "Safari Symphonique" during this final European tour, the intention to reveal himself in all its diversity was evident.
In addition to the magnificence of the arrangements illuminated by the dignity of a classical orchestra, Manu Dibango surrounded himself with his friends, partners and accomplices, to give relief to his interpretations.
The bassist Manou Gallo and the singer Flavia Coehlo, in particular, brought this touch of virtuoso freshness which revitalized the ardor of historical titles.
We dared not admit it to ourselves, but this sumptuous musical tale insidiously reminded us that the years passed… However, the tone of the master of ceremonies on stage did not leave any sign of nostalgia.
The fervor of the moment forbade any melancholy.
The celebration naturally won out.
Manu Dibango and his guests, Flavia Coelho and Manou Gallo, July 12, 2019 in Vienne (France).
© Arthur Viguier / JAV 2019
Manu Dibango was happy, enthusiastic, driven by this desire to experience moments of authentic artistic fullness.
He warmly thanked the audience and slipped away from the spotlight with, already in mind, other performances, other projects, other meetings ... are withered but the expressive force of the music has dried our tears.
This heritage heritage is not an epilogue.
It is the marker of an era of which we can boast of having been contemporaries.
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Extract from Manu Dibango's concert at the "Jazz à Vienne" Festival
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