South African jazz star Abdullah Ibrahim (91) has passed away.
Ibrahim, one of the country’s most respected musicians, died peacefully in Germany following a short illness, surrounded by his family.
The news was confirmed to IOL by his family on Monday, bringing to an end a remarkable career spanning more than seven decades in which Ibrahim became one of the most influential musicians in the world of jazz. Famous for combining jazz with the rich traditions of South African music, Ibrahim’s work became popular in all countries, gaining worldwide fame for his role in using his music to spread the story of his country’s freedom struggle. His last public performance in South Africa took place at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival in March this year, where the audience got the chance to see the last class from a musician whose art and composition helped shape the global jazz scene.
Paying tribute to Ibrahim, his wife Dr Marina Umari, said that Ibrahim died “with South Africa and its people in his heart”. “His love for his country did not waver no matter where he was in the world,” he said.