South African Jazz legend and international sensation, Abdullah Ibrahim, has been honoured with the Van Toeka Af Living Legends Recognition Series award in Cape Town. This marks the seventh edition of the series.
It’s an initiative the Department of Sports, Arts, and Culture has bestowed on accomplished local artists.
Previous recipients include Professor Pitika Ntuli, Dr. James Matthews, Dr. John Kani, Dr Madala Kunene, the late Dr Madosini Mpahleni, and Dr. Peter Magubane.
The event to honor him coincides with a series of performances planned for Cape Town, Gauteng, and New York this month.
Born in Cape Town in 1934, formerly known as Dollar Brand, he has not lost any zeal, zest, or verve at the piano stakes.
The South African pianist and composer spent most of his adult life in exile, honing his trade. But his music career, spanning about 70 years, reflects many of the musical influences of his childhood.
It has often been said that South African artists are being neglected and are only remembered after they have passed on, often as paupers.
Zizi Kodwa the Sports, Arts and Culture Minister, says, “The Van Toeka Af initiative is to recognize legends such as Dr. Abdullah Ibrahim, these legends who have made an immense contribution through their musical journey to arts to culture in the past were not recognized and it’s good sometimes they are celebrated across the Atlantic not back home .”
The initiative, which recognizes and acclaims South Africa’s living legends in the creative and cultural sectors, will honor more Cape Town musos in the coming months.
