Jazz Legend Abdullah Ibrahim has Passed Away
Jazz composer and pianist Abdullah Ibrahim.
South African jazz composer and pianist Abdullah Ibrahim has passed away. His family confirmed his death in a statement issued on Monday. He had been ill for some time and passed away while receiving treatment in Germany. He was 91 years old at the time of his death.
Over his long musical career, he recorded more than 70 albums and was regarded as one of the most influential figures in Jazz.
His partner, Dr Marina Umari, said in a statement that Abdullah Ibrahim departed peacefully with South Africa and its people in his heart. She added that his love for his country never faded, no matter where he was in the world.
Born Adolph Johannes Brand in Cape Town, the musician began studying music at the age of seven and entered professional music life at 15.
In the 1950s, he became known in the local jazz scene under the name Dollar Brand. Later, in 1960, he released an album with the band The Jazz Epistles. Their album Jazz Epistle Versus One was the first full-length jazz LP recorded by Black South African artists. Although their music did not directly contain political messages, they still faced repression under the apartheid regime.
In the 1960s, he moved to Europe, where he caught the attention of American jazz legend Duke Ellington. Ellington later brought him to the United States. He then developed a distinctive style blending jazz with traditional South African music.
His 1974 track Mannenberg became a symbol of the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa.
Although he lived outside South Africa for many years, he never disconnected from his roots and frequently returned to perform. Just three months ago, he last appeared on stage at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival.
Beyond music, he also composed scores for several films, including French director Claire Denis’s No Fear, No Die and Chocolat.
