Abdullah Ibrahim, the renowned South African pianist and composer, has died at the age of 91. President Cyril Ramaphosa paid tribute to the jazz icon and anti-apartheid activist.
Abdullah Ibrahim passed away peacefully in Germany on 15 June following a short illness, surrounded by his family. His career spanned more than seven decades, with over 60 albums that shaped South African cultural identity and carried messages of resistance.
His final South African public performance was at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival in March. He was discovered by Duke Ellington in the 1960s, which helped launch his international career.
President Cyril Ramaphosa described Ibrahim as a global icon who used his music to advance justice. Ibrahim received the Order of Ikhamanga in Silver in 2009. He is set to be laid to rest in the Bavarian region of Germany.
