Manu Dibango
Past, Present, Future
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The man behind the popular refrain: Mama-se, mama-sa, ma-ko-ma-ko-ssa with his 1972 hit Soul Makossa, is back after a 16-year hiatus. Manu Dibango is Cameroon’s, and perhaps Africa’s, best-known jazz saxophonist.
With more than 35 albums, Dibango has immersed himself in a variety of sounds to deliver Past, Present, Future.
Collaborating with and showcasing a new generation of talented young artists from around the world, such as Wayne Beckford, Passi, Oum, Pit Baccardi and Safehaus, Dibango has produced something rather modern.
Capturing each of their musical universes, the album boasts a melting pot of eclectic sounds with a mix of pop, Afro-funk, soul, hip hop, electro rock and jazz.
With the use of all these elements, tracks contrast from eras of motown funk on Douala Memphis to rapping in French on Bantou Life.
Tracks such as Haters Anthem, Keep On Running and Shallow Waters can be likened to that of the old Black Eye Peas’ sound, Outkast and N.E.R.D.
This album is hip and may not be a jazz purist’s cup of tea, but it is definitely one that will appeal to the younger generation. – Tina George