Beyond the piano: 5 books to truly understand the spirit and legacy of Abdullah Ibrahim

Abdullah Ibrahim, South African jazz pianist and composer, died on June 15, 2026 at age 91. Born Adolph Johannes Brand, also known as Dollar Brand, he left a mark on South African culture. A key book to understand his legacy is 'Soweto Blues: Jazz, Popular Music, and Politics in South Africa' by Gwen Ansell, featuring an introduction by Ibrahim. The book examines how musicians used music as resistance against apartheid.