Donald Helme pays tribute to the wonderful South African pianist and composer Abdullah Ibrahim, who died in June 2026 at the age of 91.
Known earlier in his career as Dollar Brand, Ibrahim created a musical voice rooted in the rhythms, melodies and cultural life of South Africa. His music reached audiences around the world while retaining a profound connection to home.
Opening with a live performance of “Zimbabwe”, Donald explores a selection spanning several decades, including “Little Boy”, “Mannenberg”, “Calypso Minor” and recordings from Cape Town Revisited. Along the way, this episode offers an opportunity to listen more closely to the South African jazz traditions that shaped Ibrahim’s music and remained at the heart of his remarkable career.
Track list for The Hot Box #155 - Abdullah Ibrahim
- Zimbabwe (Live) - from the Album: South Africa (1983)
- Little Boy - from the Album: Black Lightning (1976)
- Mannenberg - from the Album: Mannenberg – “Is Where It’s Happening” (1974)
- Calypso Minor - from the Album: Sotho Blue (2010)
- Damara Blue - from the Album: Cape Town Revisited (1997)
- Someday Soon Sweet Samba - from the Album: Cape Town Revisited (1997)
- Blues for a Hip King - from the Album: Blues for a Hip King (1976)
- African Marketplace - from the Album: Cape Town Flowers (1996)
Tune In:
- Listen Back: Catch past episodes on The Hot Box Jazz and Jazz Ireland.
Subscribe to The Hot Box:
- Via Android: Subscribe on Android
- By Email: Subscribe by Email
Spread the Word: Help us grow our jazz community by sharing The Hot Box with your friends and on social media. Your support keeps us going!
About The Hot Box: The Hot Box celebrates the best of Irish jazz within the global jazz tradition. Our focus is on accessibility and pure enjoyment, drawing listeners from far beyond Ireland's shores. We are always on the lookout for new recordings by Irish artists or Irish-inspired works. If you have any suggestions or recordings to share, please get in touch!
Contact Us: For questions, comments, and requests, email Donald Helme at .
