The Maestro In Munich

At the age of 88, South African pianist Abdullah Ibrahim's music is as vital, creative and important as ever. The Germany-based composer, looking forward to the release of his latest album next year, shares more in this exclusive interview with FORBES AFRICA.

- Jill de Villiers

A gentle breeze plays with fresh soft green leaves in the early morning hush, clear notes float in the air as the maestro moves his fingers over the keys, conjuring moods and emotions. No matter the time of day, Abdullah Ibrahim has the power to transport me from the mundane world to one of music and dreams.

He lives in a little village south of Munich in Germany these days, his base between performances on concert stages which for the next few months will be in Finland, Germany, various cities in the United States, Canada, and France.

“This is what we do best as musicians, to be on the road and take our music to the people because it is virtually impossible for everybody to come to where we are,” he says on a Zoom call, looking at his partner Marina Umari, who is a medical doctor. “So this is part of our synergy in life. We travel, we take concerts globally. Of course Marina is really the anchor. She does all the behind-the-scenes work and presentation until the time that I get on stage.”

Saxophone players can pick up their instruments and travel. It is a bit more complicated if your instrument is a Fazioli grand piano. “It’s a beautiful instrument, because it is excellent to work with,” he explains. “It is actually top of the range. And so we have an agreement with Fazioli that wherever I play, they will provide a grand piano.”

Now, at the age of 88, Ibrahim’s music is as vital, creative and important as ever.

Throughout our interview, he refers to the masters who have helped form him, and who still form him.

For many others, he is the guru, the master of the keyboard and composition.