Accra, Nov. 10,
Manu Dibango, the world-famous Camerounian musician, is to stage a night’s live concert on December 19, at the National Theatre, Accra. The 65-year-old saxophonist who was surged into fame and riches by his hit ” Soul Makossa “, in 1972 will also perform with children artists at Kiddafest. Dubbed ” Manu Dibango concert ” is being organised under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism. It will cost 50,000 cedis a head. Mr. Sowah Bekoe, a director at the Ministry of Tourism, told a news conference today that the Dibango concert is the last in a three- pack entertainment bill put together by the Planning Committee of Ghana’s 40th anniversary celebration. Angelic Kidjo, the Beninois international songstress opened the shows followed by the evergreen South African singer, Miriam Makeba. He described Dibango as ” one of the world’s acclaimed sons of Africa, a personality who is adored all over the world. ” His presence should inspire all of us to strive to attain the very heights of professionalism, symbolic of the black star of Africa.” Professor Komla Amoaku, Executive Director, National Theatre, who presided, called Dibango ” an original artist whose blend appeals to all races”. He said Dibango’s breakthrough in 1972 inspired many an African and put optimistic and perfection within the reach of all struggling black musicians who found the American musical race too tough to run. Manu Dibango has to his credit 20 albums.
