President Ramaphosa Mourns Passing Of Global Jazz Icon Abdullah Ibrahim 

​

Pretoria – President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his “profound sadness” at the passing of cultural activist, global jazz icon and Esteemed Member of the Order of Ikhamang Abdullah Ibrahim.

The pianist passed away at the age of 91, at the end of a life in music that spanned jazz genres and geographies.

RELATED: International Jazz Icon Abdullah Ibrahim Passes Away At 91 – The Bulrushes

President Ramaphosa, on Monday, 15 June 2026, offered his deep condolences to Abdullah Ibrahim’s children, pianist Tsakwe, and hip-hop artist Jean Grae.

Their mother, Sathima Bea Benjamin, a performer and recording artist herself, passed away in 2013, nine years after she received the Order of Ikhamanga.

As a pianist, composer, arranger, and mentor, Abdullah Ibrahim campaigned against apartheid and drew audiences to his highly curated performances that showcased his accomplishments as a soloist and his collaboration with established and emerging talent.

His music also projected his spirituality and contemplative practice of martial arts.

In 2009, he was awarded the Order of Ikhamanga in Silver, in recognition of his excellent contribution to the arts, his success in putting South African music on the international map, and his lifelong fight against racism and apartheid.

President Ramaphosa said: “Today our nation mourns the passing of an international icon and global citizen whose profound creations honoured the South Africa that shaped his political commitment and musical brilliance.

“As we commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Youth Uprising, the passing of Abdullah Ibrahim reminds us of the then illegal benefit concert he organised in support of the liberation movement following the Uprising, as a demonstration of his commitment to our struggle.

“We give thanks for the many decades of his life that he devoted to his personal passion which he shared with humanity through his recordings and his appearances in clubs and concert halls throughout the globe.

“He has enriched our lives with his musical gifts and his involvement in making the world a better place.

“May his soul rest in peace.”

Meanwhile, Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis has expressed the City’s “deep sadness” at the passing of internationally celebrated pianist and composer.

“Abdullah Ibrahim counts among Cape Town’s greatest cultural ambassadors, carrying the sounds, stories and spirit of the Mother City to audiences around the world,” said Mayor Hill-Lewis.

“Generations of Capetonians have found meaning and inspiration in his music, which stands as his immortal legacy and gift to humanity.

“I encourage everyone, especially young people, to explore and delight in this rich heritage.

“Cape Town has lost a defining artist who transcended divides and generations.

“We extend our condolences to Abdullah Ibrahim’s family, friends, and all those around the world who were touched by his extraordinary music.

“We will never forget this cultural legend’s contribution to our city’s identity and to South Africa’s proud heritage.”

After years of international acclaim and periods of exile during apartheid, Ibrahim continued to draw deeply from his Cape Town roots.

His iconic composition ‘Mannenberg’, recorded in Cape Town in 1974, became one of the most recognisable pieces of South African music and a powerful symbol of the country’s struggle for freedom.

Despite his global career, Ibrahim maintained a profound connection to the city of his birth.

His final public performance in South Africa was at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival in 2026.

The post President Ramaphosa Mourns Passing Of Global Jazz Icon Abdullah Ibrahim appeared first on The Bulrushes.