Anbessa is a vibrant tribute to Manu Dibango , a major figure in African music. Born from the meeting between Akalé Wubé , ambassador of Ethio-jazz, and the Cameroonian master himself, the project celebrates a repertoire that is often overlooked but incredibly rich.
A memorable encounter with the "old lion"
In 2013, during a special broadcast on RFI , Akalé Wubé performed live covers of "African Pop Session" and "Ekedi ." Enthusiastic, Manu joined them on stage, saxophone in hand. A connection was immediately forged. A few months later, they recorded "Anbessa" ("the lion," in Amharic) together, a tribute track that became the starting point for a strong collaboration.
Reviving an immense musical heritage
At Manu Dibango's instigation, five other rare tracks were rearranged in the studio by Akalé Wubé. Sadly, Manu was unable to record them before his passing. But his spirit lives on in the project. Today, Anbessa , a fusion of Akalé Wubé and the trio Akagera , brings the saxophonist's immense body of work back to life on stage. Far beyond Soul Makossa , it's a vibrant, generous, and danceable music that continues to resonate.
