The veteran jazz singer and saxophone player has died after contracting the new coronavirus.
He was 86.
Close associates had last week confirmed that he had been taken to a French hospital for an unrelated illness when he was diagnosed.
Dibango is one of the first worldwide stars to die as a result of COVID-19.
A statement from his official Facebook page reads: “It is with deep sadness that we announce the loss of Manu Dibango, our Papy Groove, who passed away on 24th of March 2020, at 86 years old, further to COVID-19.”
“His funeral service will be held in strict privacy, and a tribute to his memory will be organized when possible,” the message said.
Dibango is popularly known for his Grammy award-winning track Soul Makossa. The song went on to be sampled by various musicians including the late King of Pop, Michael Jackson, and pop star Rihanna.