South African pianist and composer Abdullah Ibrahim performs on stage at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival in Cape Town, on March 27, 2026.
JOHANNESBURG - Tributes pour in for the late jazz pianist and composer Abdullah Ibrahim, who died in Germany at the age of 91.
In a recent statement, Ibrahim's family said the jazz pianist passed away surrounded by family following a short illness.
Paying tribute to her partner, Marina Umari said, " Abdullah passed away peacefully with South Africa and its people in his heart. His love for his country never wavered, no matter where in the world he found himself ".
The statement further read that Ibrahim leaves behind an extraordinary musical legacy that transcended borders, cultures and generations.
READ | Life and times of world-renowned jazz pianist Abdullah Ibrahim
President Cyril Ramaphosa has also sent his condolences to the Ibrahim family.
In a separate statement released, Ramaphosa said that as a pianist, composer, arranger and mentor, Abdullah Ibrahim campaigned against apartheid and drew audiences to his highly curated performances that showcased his accomplishment as a soloist and his collaboration with established and emerging talent.
READ |Jazz icon Abdullah Ibrahim dies aged 91
Industry friends like jazz artist Billy Monama, who worked with the global star, revealed the different sides of his character.
"We lost a composer and also a cultural activist, an ambassador who continued to live and, you know, showcasing South African music, sound.