A pianist, composer, bandleader and visionary, Abdullah Ibrahim's contribution to South African music transcended genres, generations and borders.
The Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF) is deeply saddened by the passing of Abdullah Ibrahim,91, one of South Africa's most revered cultural icons and a towering figure in the global jazz community.
The CTIJF is especially honoured to have formed part of the final chapter of his extraordinary musical journey. Ibrahim's final public performance took place at the festival on the Rosies Stage on Friday, 27 March 2026. In what will now be remembered as a historic homecoming moment, audiences witnessed one of the greatest musicians of our time deliver a performance that reflected the grace, depth and mastery that defined his remarkable career. It was a fitting farewell in Cape Town, where he was born and raised. The city shaped so much of his musical identity. His relationship with the festival spanned many years, having also performed in 2004 as the Abdullah Ibrahim Trio, in 2014 with Ekaya and in 2019 with Ibrahim Khalil Shihab.
A pianist, composer, bandleader and visionary, Ibrahim's contribution to South African music transcended genres, generations and borders. Through his extraordinary body of work, he gave voice to the spirit, resilience and aspirations of South Africans, creating a musical legacy that will continue to inspire audiences around the world for generations to come.
