Ibrahim, South African jazz pianist, dies aged 91 in Germany
Abdullah Ibrahim, the iconic South African jazz pianist, has died at 91 in Germany after a brief illness.
His partner Marina Umari shared that he "passed away peacefully with South Africa and its people in his heart."
Known for mixing jazz with local sounds, Ibrahim's music spanned eight decades and touched listeners worldwide.
Ibrahim's 'Mannenberg' became anti-apartheid anthem
Born Adolph Johannes Brand, Ibrahim began taking piano lessons at age seven and performing professionally as a teenager.
He formed the Jazz Epistles in the late '50s, the first all-Black South African jazz group to record an album.
Forced into exile by apartheid, he found international fame thanks to Duke Ellington's support.
His song "Mannenberg" became an anti-apartheid anthem, and Nelson Mandela once called him "South Africa's Mozart," cementing his place as a true musical legend.