Manu Dibango was a Cameroonian musician and songwriter whose style fused jazz, funk, and traditional Cameroonian music. He is perhaps best known for his 1972 afrobeat single "Soul Makossa", which is often credited with introducing African music to a broader audience. Dibango's innovative blend of sounds and rhythms significantly influenced many artists across the globe, particularly within the worlds of pop, soul, and R&B. His distinctive saxophone playing and deep musicality have left a lasting impact on the global music scene.