Manu Dibango, Cameroonian musician and songwriter, has passed away at 86.

According to a statement on his official Facebook page on Tuesday, the legendary saxophonist died from coronavirus on Monday.

“Dear family, dear friends, dear fans. A voice raises from far away… It is with deep sadness that we announce you the loss of Manu Dibango, our Papy Groove, who passed away on 24th of March 2020, at 86 years old, further to covid 19,” the statement read.

The statement added that the funeral service of the late musician would be announced shortly, while providing an email account for fans of the deceased to send their condolences.

“His funeral service will be held in strict privacy, and a tribute to his memory will be organized when possible. If you wish to express your condolences, please write to the following email: manu@manudibango.net,” it added.

Born on December 12, 1933, Dibango rode to spotlight with with his unique musical style which fuses jazz, funk, and traditional Cameroonian music.

He kickstarted his music career as a member of African Jazz, a seminal Congolese rumba group, and would go on to collaborate with several other music legends including Fela Kuti.

His death comes few days after Aurlus Mabele, Congolese music composer better known as the king of soukous, died from the killer virus at 67.