(Photo: Gianluigi Guercia/AFP)
Parliament expressed its sadness on Monday at the death of the South African jazz pianist and composer Abdullah Ibrahim at the age of 91.
Parliament’s presiding officers, led by the speaker of the National Assembly, Thoko Didiza, and the chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, expressed their condolences to his family, friends, colleagues and millions of music lovers worldwide.
Ibrahim, formerly known as Dollar Brand, is considered one of South Africa’s most outstanding musicians and an influential figure in the international jazz community. His musical career spanned more than seven decades during which he captivated audiences around the world with a unique style that wove diverse South African musical traditions with American jazz, gospel and classical influences.
According to the parliament, his music was much more than mere entertainment. During the darkest years of apartheid, his compositions, especially the iconic “Mannenberg”, became a powerful symbol of the struggle for freedom.
(Photo: Gianluigi Guercia/AFP)
In recognition of his contribution to the arts and his role in the struggle for a non-racial, democratic South Africa, he was honored with the Order of Ikhamanga in silver in 2009. The award is given to South Africans who have achieved excellence in, among other things, art, culture, literature, music, journalism and sport.
“We salute a true patriot and iconic cultural giant,” the parliament said in its tribute. According to the parliament, Ibrahim’s timeless melodies will continue to offer hope and inspiration to people in South Africa and around the world.