OBITUARY: Abdullah Ibrahim, the pianist who turned Manenberg into an anthem of the freedom struggle. (opens original article in a new tab)

Abdullah Ibrahim, a South African pianist known for blending Cape Town's sounds with jazz, became an anthem of the freedom struggle through his music, including 'Manenberg.'

• Abdullah Ibrahim, born Adolph Johannes Brand, was a South African pianist who became known as Abdullah Ibrahim, a name reflecting his Islamic faith and cultural identity.
• His music, influenced by Cape Town's diverse sounds and the struggle against apartheid, included the iconic song 'Manenberg,' which became an anthem of the freedom movement.
• Ibrahim lived on three continents, faced apartheid restrictions, and later supported the ANC, though he distanced himself from the party in his later years.
• He passed away at 91 in Germany, with plans to be buried in a small Alpine town, despite his deep ties to South Africa.