South Africa’s legendary pianist and composer brings his “The Water from an Ancient Well” tour to SA after five years.
Dollar Brand, as he endearingly became known, is a world-renowned musician with his distinct blend of jazz that originated in the Mother City. At the tender age of seven, he began piano lessons and at 15 he began playing professionally at the City Hall in Cape Town.
Inspired by African Khoi-san songs, gospel songs, hymns, township jive and our unique Cape Malay choirs, Ibrahim offers a unique sound. In 1967, he received a Rockefeller Foundation grant to attend the Juilliard School of Music.
WATCH Abdullah Ibrahim’s NPR Tiny Desk performance:
Abdullah Ibrahim is one of the pioneers of jazz in South Africa, as his groundbreaking septet was formed back in 1959. The septet was called the Jazz Epistles, with saxophonist, Kippie Moeketsi; the late trumpeter, Hugh Masekela; trombonist, Jonas Gwanga; bassist, Johnny Gertze; and drummer, Makaya Ntshoko. The Jazz Epistles went on to become the first South Africans to record a jazz album.
During Apartheid, Ibrahim was a freedom fighter and used his music as a tool to resist the Apartheid regime that aimed at dividing society. His band brought together musicians of different races and ethnicities, as well as mixed audiences. As times got tougher, the government continued to harass musicians and closed jazz clubs, making jazz harder to produce. In 1962 after Nelson Mandela was imprisoned and the ANC banned, Ibrahim and his now wife, Sathima Bea Benjamin, moved to Zurich with trio members Gertze and Ntshoko.
Today, he continues to tour the world, spreading the message of peace and ubuntu like only he can.
Image credit: abdullahibrahim.co.za
Where to see Abdullah Ibrahim’s “The Water from an Ancient Well”
Get ready for an iconic performance in Cape Town, the same venue where Abdullah Ibrahim first professionally performed at 16 years old.
Catch Abdullah Ibrahim in Cape Town
When? 12 April 2024
Where? Cape Town, City Hall
Catch Abdullah Ibrahim in Gauteng
When? 14 April 2024
Where? SunBet Arena at Time Square
Get your tickets at Ticket Pro.
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Feature image: Shanna Jones Photography / Abdullah Ibrahim (website)
