Jazz Legend Ibrahim to play in South Africa

Jazz Maestro Abdullah Ibrahim

HE IS often celebrated overseas, particularly in Germany and New York, where he holds frequent shows, and but back home it is not so often that one will see an artist of his musical calibre on stage. Fans of Abdullah Ibrahim, one of South Africa's most accomplished musicians, must be happy that the artist has now confirmed a two-city tour showcase with the 18-piece Jazz Orchestra Big Band.

The shows, set to take place next month, will be at the Cape Town Convention Centre on February 11 and the Linder Auditorium, Johannesburg on February 17. Ibrahim is an artist who personifies innovation and mastery of his craft, with his performances always making for an incredible experience. He will be accompanied by the 18-piece Jazz Orchestra Big Band, which features Andile Yenana, Feya Faku, Barney Rachabani and international artists Tony Koti and Andrae Murchison.

Ibrahim says his latest album, Senzo, is a journey through sound - striving towards our individual and collective home. Senzo means "ancestor" in both Chinese and Japanese. Senzo also echoes the name of Abdullah Ibrahim's Sotho father, in whose language the word translates as "creator".

Ibrahim, South Africa's most distinguished pianist and a world-respected master musician, was born in 1934 in Cape Town and baptised Adolph Johannes Brand.