Abdullah Ibrahim serenades Cape Town
Jazz maestro’s surprise farewell gift to the city
CHURCH Square in Cape Town’s CBD resonated with the sounds emanating from a grand piano yesterday, as a large crowd gathered to watch legendary pianist and composer Abdullah Ibrahim perform an impromptu free public set.
With many people returning to work on the first day of school, Ibrahim delighted Capetonians with a 45-minute performance.
With the sounds of traffic providing the only hint that this was not a concert hall performance, the crowd remained silent, mesmerised by the jazz maestro’s chords, capturing the performance on their cellphones.
Ibrahim’s manager, Sevi Spanoudi, said the al fresco show was a farewell gift. “He is leaving for Germany on Thursday, and he wanted to play for free before the public, as a surprise.”
Ibrahim was trending on Twitter, with pictures and videos streaming on the social network.
User @karab tweeted: “Oh wow wish I was in Cape Town today! Abdullah Ibrahim public performance on Church Street! Hey @CityofJoburgZA!”
Another user, @ AZUH, said: “Just enjoyed 45min live set by Abdullah Ibrahim aka Dollar Brand… left me transfixed with lots of emotion… what music should do.”
“Mini ‘gadat’ in Church Square this AM. Led by the great Abdullah Ibrahim. A quintessentially Capetonian moment,” tweeted @KholoFelo.
Journalist Lester Kiewit tweeted: “The combination of city sounds and baby grand was the best start to the day. Thank you Abdullah Ibrahim.”
On Monday, Ibrahim was the guest of honour at the Artscape Theatre, where a masterclass was held.
It formed part of the Living Legends Legacy Programme launched in August last year by the Department of Arts and Culture.
The programme aims to enrich the younger generation’s knowledge of music and give them the space to enhance their musical talents.
During the masterclass, Ibrahim explained that music needed to tell a story, a narrative that required one thing: “Practice, practice and practice.”
Attendees also had an opportunity to ask the music legend questions.
Ibrahim answered every question in detail and shared his wisdom with those who would listen.