African saxophone legend Manu Dibango has died aged 86 due to coronavirus. 

Dibango, best known for his 1972 hit Soul Makossa, who died in Paris, is one of the first global stars to die from the virus. 

“It is with deep sadness that we announce you the loss of Manu Dibango, our Papy Groove,” a statement on his official Facebook page read.

His funeral will take place in “strict privacy”, the statement read, asking instead for people to send condolences by email and adding that a tribute will be arranged “when possible”.

The 86-year-old fused jazz and funk music with traditional sounds from his home country, Cameroon.

He collaborated with numerous artists over a long career, including US pianist Herbie Hancock and Nigeria’s Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti.

Top African musicians Angelique Kidjo and Youssou Ndour have led the tributes.