TRIBUTE: How Abdullah Ibrahim became the soundtrack of my young life

Bongani Madondo· Jun 26, 2026 · 9:00 AM UTC ·12 min read · 0 reactions · 0 comments · 43 views

TL;DR · WeSearch summary

Abdullah Ibrahim, a legendary South African pianist, passed away on June 15 at the age of 91. He was a key figure in shaping the musical tastes of many young people, including the author, who reflects on the impact of Ibrahim's music on their life. Ibrahim's legacy continues to be celebrated, and his music remains a powerful symbol of black liberation and identity.

Key facts

▪Abdullah Ibrahim was born Adolph Johannes Brand on October 9, 1934, and passed away on June 15 at the age of 91.
▪He was a renowned pianist, composer, and NEA Jazz Master who performed with various musicians, including Terence Blanchard and Kenny Garrett.
▪Ibrahim's music had a profound impact on the author's life, particularly during their teenage years, and helped shape their black consciousness and identity.

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Daily Maverick publishes from South Africa and files mainly under world. We currently carry 178 of its stories.

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Daily Maverick · Bongani Madondo

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Original publisher	Daily Maverick
Canonical URL	https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2026-06-26-how-abdullah-ibrahim-became-the-soundtrack-of-my-young-life/
Publication time	Fri, 26 Jun 2026 09:00:38 GMT
Retrieval time	2026-06-26T07:07:29.748Z
Last seen	2026-06-26T07:07:29.748Z
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Substitutes article?	No — link-out required for full text

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Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand

TRIBUTE How Abdullah Ibrahim became the soundtrack of my young life This is not a conventional obituary, but a memoir of devotion – to the legendary South African pianist, the long-ago politics of youth and the music that helped make sense of becoming an adult. By Bongani Madondo 26 Jun 2026 Abdullah Ibrahim: Life of a Legend. Cape Town-born pianist, composer and NEA Jazz Master Abdullah Ibrahim performs solo, with his four-horn septet Ekaya, and with special guests Terence Blanchard (trumpet), Kenny Garrett (saxophone), and Cecil McBee (bass), at the Rose Theater on Friday, October 3, 2025. New York. Jazz at Lincoln Center.

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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Daily Maverick.

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