South African jazz icon Abdullah Ibrahim, one of the country's most celebrated musicians and cultural ambassadors, has died at the age of 91.
The world is mourning the loss of South African jazz legend Abdullah Ibrahim, whose death at the age of 91 has prompted an outpouring of tributes from political leaders, musicians and admirers across the globe.
Ibrahim died peacefully in Germany on Monday after a short illness, surrounded by his family. He will be laid to rest in the Bavarian town he called home for many years.
The Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF) led the tributes, describing it as a privilege to have hosted what would become the iconic musician's final public performance.
Born Adolph Johannes Brand in Cape Town, Ibrahim rose to international prominence after being discovered by legendary jazz bandleader Duke Ellington in the 1960s. He went on to become one of South Africa's most influential musicians and a pioneer of Cape Jazz, earning worldwide acclaim for a career spanning more than seven decades.
