Legendary jazz musician Abdullah Ibrahim has sadly died at the age of 91, his family have confirmed. The musician – who helped shape a new genre of music in South Africa – “passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family in Germany, after a short illness.”
President Ramaphosa Leads Tributes
South African president Cyril Ramaphosa immediately paid tribute to the star, praising his “creations [that] honoured the South Africa that shaped his political commitment and musical brilliance”. The president said: “As we commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Youth Uprising, the passing of Abdullah Ibrahim reminds us of the then illegal benefit concert he organised in support of the liberation movement following the Uprising, as a demonstration of his commitment to our struggle.
“We give thanks for the many decades of his life that he devoted to his personal passion which he shared with humanity through his recordings and his appearances in clubs and concert halls throughout the globe. He has enriched our lives with his musical gifts and his involvement in making the world a better place. May his soul rest in peace.”
Early Life and Career
Abdullah was born Adolph Johannes Brand, and has two children who are famous in their own right – pianist Tsakwe and hip-hop artist Jean Grae. He lost his wife Sathima in 2013 – she was also a recording artist. He grew up in Cape Town and started composing songs on piano aged just seven – eventually creating his most famous composition, 1974 release Mannenberg.
Outpouring of Grief
Tributes have poured in for the star, with one X user tweeting: “Rest absolutely easy, piano extraordinaire.” Another said: “Abdullah Ibrahim’s music wasn’t just beautiful. it carried our history, our struggles, and our spirit. May his soul rest in peace, and may his music continue to touch generations to come.”
