Remembering Abdullah Ibrahim: South African jazz legend passes away at age 91
The iconic South African jazz artist, Abdullah Ibrahim (previously known as Dollar Brand) has passed away at age 91, writes Music News Blitz’s Tyler Lai Sai.
He is widely considered a cultural icon amongst South Africans.
Ibrahim’s work pioneered the sub-genre of Cape Jazz and his work was used for anti-apartheid movements.
Early career
Ibrahim started out his career at the young age of 7.
By the time he was 15 he debuted his professional career and he became part of the Jazz Epistles when he was 24.
The band was formed in the late 50’s and featured the iconic trumpeter Hugh Masekela.
Jazz was viewed as an act of defiance by the South African government as it was considered counter-cultural.
The genre would encourage multiracial lineups and a ‘cosmopolitan’ attitude in spaces where it was performed, which naturally defied South African apartheid laws.
Following the Sharpeville Massacre in the 60s, the South African government had strongly enforced apartheid rules more than before, including the prohibition of jazz music and public gatherings.
The band had experienced increasing pressure and harassment from the government which eventually led to their break up and Ibrahim’s departure from South Africa to Germany in 1962.
Time in exile
While overseas, Ibrahim performed for Duke Ellington, who helped set up a recording session with Reprise Records.
This changed the course of his career and he eventually moved to New York with Ellington in 1965 to further pursue his career.
In 1967, a Rockefeller Grant allowed him to study at the Julliard School of Music.
While working in the U.S, he managed to interact with many different iconic musicians such as John Coltrane and Cecil Taylor.
Throughout his exile, Ibrahim made a few brief returns to South Africa.
A remarkable career
In the early 1970s he recorded his well known hit song “Mannenberg” in Cape Town.
The song became an unofficial anthem of liberation and anti-apartheid activism for South Africans.
Ibrahim won multiple awards in his career, including the South African Music Lifetime Achievement Award, The German Jazz Trophy and received an honorary doctorate from the University of Witwaterstrand for his contribution to music.
Final moments
“Abdullah passed away peacefully with South Africa and its people in his heart. His love for his country never wavered, no matter where in the world he found himself,” stated Dr Marina Umari, his partner.
His burial will take place in the Bavarian region in Germany, his home away from home.
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