Press release: For Immediate Release

Memorial Tribute Concert for Abdullah Ibrahim in South Africa

The Cape Town music community comes together to honour our beloved icon, the late poet, composer, pianist, martial artist and philosopher, Abdullah Ibrahim, who passed away on 15 June 2026. Friends, family and long-time associates of the legendary musician have come together to organise a special memorial tribute concert characterised and led by musicians. The concert will take place on Monday, 29 June 2026, at the Artscape Opera House in Cape Town, South Africa. For now, all tickets for the physical event have been sold out, however the event will be live-streamed at the following link for all to view:

The line-up has been especially curated to reflect musicianship and will feature a host of artists who will pay tribute to Ibrahim through his various compositions. The event will feature archival images, footage and poetry of A.I (as he was fondly referred to).

The concert includes the following musicians: Hilton Schilder (piano), Mark Fransman (piano) Blake Hellaby (pianist), Kirsten Skippers (piano), Ramon Alexander (pianist), Nicolas Miso (vocals), Danel Murcott (flute), Buddy Wells (tenor sax), Shaun Johannes (double bass), Dylan Tabisher (electric bass), Duncan Johnson (Tenor Sax Horn section leader), Don Vino (alto sax), Annemie Nel (drums), Kevin Gibson (drums) and Joshua Nemaire (double bass) and Bradley Prince (guitar).

These artists will celebrate Ibrahim by performing some of his most iconic compositions including the popular anti-apartheid anthem Mannenberg and other favourites like The Wedding, Blues For A Hip King and Water From An Ancient Well.

The event has been brought together by several independent community members and musicians and is produced by Marlene Le Roux, Aki Khan, Sevi Spanoudi, Ramon Alexander and Basil Appollis.

Ibrahim was laid to rest according to Muslim burial rites on June 22 where he was based in Bavaria, Germany. An intimate Salat al-Ghaib (janaazah or funeral prayer in absentia) was held for him at the Masjidul Quds in Cape Town.

Ibrahim has spent eight decades of his illustrious career in music representing his hometown Cape Town and it is only fitting that this is the city’s way of giving back after years of political exile, struggle, sacrifice and life-affirming music. We bid farewell to this giant in sound, who has left us with so much. Hamba Kahle and Salaam.

More details and streaming link of the memorial will be also available via Abdullah Ibrahim’s website: https://abdullahibrahim.co.za/

Sincerely

Friends of Abdullah Ibrahim

For Media Enquiries please contact:

• Toberin Meyer

Email: toberinm@artscape.co.za Number: 084 447 3516

●            Spokespeople:

Marlene Le Roux: marlenel@artscape.co.za Basil Appollis: basilappollis@gmail.com