President Cyril Ramaphosa has paid tribute to South African jazz legend and anti-apartheid activist Abdullah Ibrahim, who has died at the age of 91.
Ibrahim was awarded the Order of Ikhamanga in Silver in 2009 for his contribution to the arts and the struggle against apartheid.
Ramaphosa described Ibrahim as a global icon who used his music to advance justice and showcase South Africa to the world.
The President has extended his condolences to Ibrahim’s family.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his profound sadness at the passing of cultural activist, global jazz icon and Esteemed Member of the Order of Ikhamanga.
Abdullah Ibrahim has passed away at the age of 91, at the end of a life in music that spanned jazz genres and… pic.twitter.com/abvw3XDu0V
— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) June 15, 2026
Meanwhile, a statement by his family said that Ibrahim, passed away peacefully in Germany following a short illness, surrounded by his family. His remarkable career spanned more than seven decades, during which he became one of the most influential and celebrated figures in international jazz.
His final South African public performance took place at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival in March.
Ibrahim was renowned for his distinct piano sound that captured and represented the history and culture of the Cape Malay community, especially his hit song Mannenberg.
He is set to be laid to rest in the Bavarian region of Germany.
Musician Sipho Mabuse has reflected on his memories of Ibrahim, affectionately known in the industry as “Dollar Brand”.
Video| Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse pays tribute to Abdullah Ibrahim:
Over 60 albums
Ibrahim was an internationally South African jazz pianist and composer widely regarded as one of the most important figures in African jazz.
Ibrahim had a very long and prolific career spanning over six decades, with over 60 albums. His music shaped South African cultural identity and carried messages of resistance, spirituality, and freedom.
His famous composition Mannenberg became an unofficial anthem of resistance in the 1970s.
He became internationally known in the 1960s after being discovered by Duke Ellington, who helped launch his global career.
In his later years, he continued to perform all over the world and was a recipient of many awards and honorary doctorates.
More tributes by Cape Town-born academic Sean Jacobs who is now based in New York. He has researched and written much on the life and music of Abdullah Ibrahim.
Abdullah Ibrahim was the complete package: Sean Jacobs weighs in
