Africa’s premier diva, Angelique Kidjo, has paid a tribute to drummer Tony Allen who died on Thursday.

The 59-year-old shared the tribute on Instagram on Friday.

She wrote,

”Bye-bye Tony Allen, beautiful spirit and friend who has changed the history of African music. I was so lucky to work with you on my last 2 albums. Sending lots of love to his family and friends…”

Tony Allen co-founded Afrobeat with the late Afro-beat legend, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti and was a member of his band.

He died on Thursday at age 79 in Paris, France.