MMC for Community Development mourns passing of jazz maestro Abdullah Ibrahim
The MMC for Community Development, Clr Thapelo Amad, has paid tribute to renowned South African jazz musician Abdullah Ibrahim following his death on June 15 at the age of 91.
Born on October 9, 1934, Ibrahim developed a passion for music at a young age, influenced by his mother, who played the piano in church. He made his musical debut as a teenager and later became a member of the Jazz Epistles, the pioneering South African jazz group that included Hugh Masekela, Kippie Moeketsi, Jonas Gwangwa and Mackay Davashe.
Following increasing political repression during the apartheid era, Ibrahim left South Africa in the early 1960s and settled in Europe, where he formed the Dollar Brand Trio. During this period, he met legendary jazz musician Duke Ellington, an encounter that helped launch an acclaimed international career spanning several decades.
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Ibrahim produced numerous albums and compositions throughout his career and became widely known for Mannenberg, one of South Africa’s most celebrated jazz compositions. He also composed music for film and television productions.
He received several honours during his lifetime, including a Lifetime Achievement Award at the South African Music Awards in 2007 and the National Order of Ikhamanga in Silver in 2009.
Amad said Ibrahim’s contribution to music and South Africa’s cultural heritage would be remembered for generations.
“We will forever remember his commitment to the liberation of South Africa, his dedication as an ambassador of authentically South African sounds globally and, more importantly, for his teachings. May Allah grant him Jannah,” said Amad.
