Abdullah Ibrahim (1934–2026)

The pianist was ninety-one. The New York Times (gift link) has an obituary.

The composition “Ubu Suku,” which Ibrahim wrote and first recorded when he was known as Dollar Brand, has long been in my head. (I’ve sometimes listened to it on repeat.) Here is that first recording, from 1964, with Johnny Gertze (bass) and Makaya Ntshoko (drums).

From 1978, a duet with Archie Shepp.

And from 1980, a solo piano recording.

[Ubusuku, or ebusuku: Xhosa for night.]