Ibrahim is scheduled to perform shows in Cape Town and Johannesburg in April. He will also launch his M7 Foundation while in Mzansi.
With over 100 albums and 300 compositions, his career spans more than 50 years. Many South Africans are anxiously waiting to see if renowned pianist and composer Abdullah Ibrahim will perform their favorite songs at his April performance. .
“I don't plan the setlist for a concert until 30 minutes before the concert,” Ibrahim said. citizen In an interview, he added that he would perform a variety of songs.
With a discography that's consistent in both quality and quantity, it's easy to see why this legendary pianist never fusses over his sets. This speaks to his many years of experience.
Ibrahim is set to return to South Africa after a five-year break for two concerts in Cape Town and Johannesburg, and the artist, currently based in Germany, also plans to launch a foundation during this time. ing.
this is part of him Water tour from ancient wells.
“I launched my M7 Foundation in Johannesburg, played a concert in Pretoria’s new state-of-the-art arena, and uniquely at City Hall (the glorious venue where I first performed to a sequestered audience when I was 16 years old) “Going back to playing indoors is the best thing for me,” he said, “in a way I never could have imagined.”
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master
Ibrahim was part of the Jazz Epistles septet formed in 1959, which also included other iconic members. Saxophonists Kippy Moeketsi, Hugh Masekela, trombonist Jonas Gwanga, bassist Johnny Gatse and drummer Makaya Nxoko.
The ensemble recorded the first jazz album by South African musicians.
“Seeing him perform live was, for lack of a better word, very moving,” said Sipho Nkosi, a South African expat living in Germany.
Nkosi saw the jazz master perform in Munich last year at an event organized by the South African Consulate in Germany and BMW to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Nelson Mandela's death and South African heritage.
“What he was playing didn't just sound like a medley from his vast catalogue, there was a sense that he was using his notes as text to tell the story of his life. I did,” Nkosi said.
“He didn't perform. It wasn't entertainment. It was like sitting in complete silence at the feet of the Master and letting him tell you stories from long ago.”
home sweet home
Ibrahim, 89, was worried about whether he would be able to return home at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“During the coronavirus pandemic, when I was wondering if and when I would ever find ‘home’ again, I felt a distinct sense of relief.”
The composer declared that what Ibrahim is most looking forward to after returning home is “South African food. Grapes, melons, fish, vegetables. I will cook my own food.”
Ibrahim does not know how long he will stay in Mzansi. “You can stay for a few weeks before continuing your world concert tour.”
He proposed returning to the country permanently after the war. Water tour from ancient wells.
Ibrahim releases his latest album 3, two sets of recordings from London's Barbican Hall. Cleve Guyton Jr. (flute and piccolo) and Noah Jackson (bass and cello) make up the trio and are featured in both sets along with Ibrahim.
3 Contains tracks such as Nisa, rose cut It consists of both London performances.
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