Manu Dibango's seminal 1972 song "Soul Makossa" is the most sampled African song, boasting the iconic hook "Mama-say, mama-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa," meaning "I dance" in Duala. A saxophonist and songwriter, Dibango merged jazz, funk, and Cameroonian music, collaborating with esteemed artists. Originally a B-side, the song's discovery in New York propelled it to fame, paving the way for African music on Western pop charts and inspiring Michael Jackson and Rihanna. Dibango's legacy ended on March 24, 202

Soul Makossa" is a 1972 hit song by Cameroonian saxophonist Manu Dibango that became an international underground dance hit, peaking at #35 on the US Billboard Hot 100. The song, an iconic example of the makossa music genre, features a distinctive chant and is the most sampled African song in history. Dibango's chant, "Mama-ko, mama-ssa, makomako-ssa," was famously adapted by Michael Jackson for "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'" and later sampled by Rihanna for "Don't Stop the Music". Soul Makossa"