Renowned as one of South Africa's greatest jazz icon Abdullah Ibrahim, is set to captivate audiences once again with a series of concert dates in Gauteng and Cape Town.
Returning to his homeland after a five-year hiatus, Ibrahim will grace the stage in April 2024 for a limited series of landmark performances. Among the highlights is a concert in Cape Town, where Ibrahim made his professional debut at the age of 16 in the iconic City Hall.
Reflecting on the significance of these concerts, Ibrahim expressed his gratitude, stating, "To be launching my M7 Foundation in Johannesburg, playing concerts in Pretoria’s new state-of-the-art arena, and uniquely returning to performing inside City Hall – an illustrious venue I first played at aged 16 for a segregated audience – is something that at one time was unimaginable. I am honoured and thrilled to have the opportunity."
Throughout his illustrious career, Abdullah Ibrahim has collaborated with some of the greatest names in South Africa's jazz scene, including Hugh Masekela, Miriam Makeba, Jonas Gwangwa, and Kippie Moeketsi.
"As I embrace my 90th year, I am delighted to be undertaking these concerts," Ibrahim shared. "For me, they are a deeply personal dream - envisaged first many years ago. Perhaps when as a free South African I bought land, or perhaps so many years before that when I was forced into exile? But certainly, I was thrown into sharp relief during the Covid pandemic when I wondered if, or when, I would see 'home' again."
Recently, Abdullah Ibrahim released his latest album titled "3," featuring recordings from two sets at London’s Barbican Hall. Joined by Cleave Guyton Jr on flute and piccolo, and Noah Jackson on bass and cello, the album includes beloved tracks such as "Nisa" and "Barakat."
The concerts in South Africa are part of Ibrahim's world tour, where he will perform in cities and cultures that were pivotal during his exiled life. This eagerly anticipated return promises to be a celebration of Ibrahim's enduring legacy and his profound impact on the world of jazz.
EVENT DATES
12 April - Cape Town, City Hall
14 April - Gauteng - SunBet Arena at Time Square. (Menlyn, Gauteng).
Tickets on sale now at www.ticketpro.co.za
