Jazz Workshop: Abdullah Ibrahim

Join us at Fox Music House for an inspirational morning with renowned jazz artist Abdullah Ibrahim who will offer instruction and inspiration to students of all levels, and share details of his distinctive pianism, the elements that have influenced it, and his music’s rich history.

Abdullah Ibrahim, South Africa’s most distinguished pianist, was born in Cape Town. The young “Dollar Brand,” as he became known early on, was exposed to American jazz, township jive, Cape Malay music, and classical music. Out of this blend of the secular and the religious, the traditional and the modern, he developed his distinctive style and musical vocabulary. In 1963, Duke Ellington heard his band play, which led to a recording session in Paris: Duke Ellington presents the Dollar Brand Trio. Ibrahim’s music was inseparable from the anti-apartheid movement in his native country; his 1974 recording, “Mannenberg –‘Is where it’s happening’” was an unofficial national anthem for Black South Africans. At 88, he is a National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master and among the great statesmen of culture. His groundbreaking ensemble is named Ekaya, the Zulu word for “Homeland.”

This program is presented in partnership with Spoleto Festival USA. Abdullah Ibrahim will perform during the Spoleto Festival USA on June 8^th at 9pm at the Cistern Yard. For more information, please visit https://spoletousa.org/events/abdullah-ibrahim-and-ekaya

Free Event – Open To The Public