Sanctuary Mandela, situated in the heart of Houghton, is poised to host an unforgettable evening on 16 April 2024 as Abdullah Ibrahim performs one last time.
- This exclusive event marks the triumphant return of one of South Africa’s most revered jazz icons, Abdullah Ibrahim.
- Despite facing adversity during South Africa’s apartheid era, Abdullah Ibrahim’s music remained a beacon of resistance and resilience, echoing the sentiments of a nation in turmoil.
- The intimate and enchanting performance is priced at R6’000 per person and includes a 3-Course gourmet meal, a welcome glass of bubbly and carefully selected wines.
- Visit www.sandtontimes.co.za for more stories.
Abdullah Ibrahim’s journey through the realms of jazz has been nothing short of legendary. From his humble beginnings in District Six, Cape Town, to gracing stages across the globe, Abdullah Ibrahim has carved a path as one of the world’s greatest piano players and composers. His collaborations with jazz luminaries like Hugh Masekela, Miriam Makeba, and Duke Ellington have left an indelible mark on the genre.
The significance of this performance at Sanctuary Mandela is not lost on Abdullah Ibrahim or his audience. Mandela’s former residence, now a symbol of resilience and hope, sets the stage for Abdullah Ibrahim’s final South African performance. It’s a fitting tribute to a lifetime dedicated to music and activism, mirroring the ethos of the venue itself, which stands as a beacon of South African heritage and inclusivity.
Abdullah Ibrahim’s career spans nine decades, traversing continents and transcending boundaries. His early years with the Dollar Brand Trio and the ground-breaking Jazz Epistles laid the foundation for a musical legacy that continues to inspire generations. The journey from exile to homecoming has been a recurring theme in Abdullah Ibrahim’s life. His return to South Africa in 1990, at the invitation of Nelson Mandela, marked a symbolic reconciliation with his homeland. Since then, Abdullah Ibrahim has continued to push the boundaries of jazz, blending traditional African rhythms with contemporary improvisation.
As Abdullah Ibrahim approaches his 90th year, these concerts hold a deeply personal significance. They represent a culmination of dreams deferred and promises fulfilled. Reflecting on his journey, Abdullah Ibrahim muses on the challenges of exile and the longing for home, sentiments that resonate deeply in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.
As I embrace my 90th year, I am delighted to be undertaking these concerts… 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 to exile? But certainly, I was thrown into sharp relief during the Covid pandemic, when I wondered if, or when, I would see ‘home’ again.
// Abdullah Ibrahim
The concert at Sanctuary Mandela serves as a microcosm of Abdullah Ibrahim’s global journey, with each note echoing the melodies of distant lands and forgotten memories. Against the backdrop of Mandela’s legacy, Abdullah Ibrahim’s music takes on a renewed sense of purpose, bridging the divides of race, culture, and geography.
The evening promises to be a sensory feast, with guests treated to a gourmet meal, fine wines, and, of course, the enchanting melodies of Abdullah Ibrahim. It’s an opportunity to experience jazz in its purest form, stripped of pretence and artifice, and laid bare in all its raw beauty.
For Abdullah Ibrahim, this final performance is more than just a concert; it’s a testament to a life well-lived and a legacy that will endure for generations to come. As the sun sets over Sanctuary Mandela on 16 April 2024, the stage is set for a musical journey unlike any other, a fitting tribute to South Africa’s greatest jazz icon.
To book for this event email production@realsa.co.za or contact +27-72-794-1766.
Stand a chance to WIN with The Sandton Times.
Advertise on The Sandton Times today!
Head back to The Sandton Times Home Page for more stories.
