Abdullah Ibrahim: Tiny Desk (Home) Concert

The Tiny Desk is working from home for the foreseeable future. Introducing NPR Music's Tiny Desk (home) concerts, bringing you performances from across the country and the world. It's the same spirit - stripped-down sets, an intimate setting - just a different space.
Bob Boilen | March 9, 2022
It’s less a concert and more witnessing a master thoughtfully creating an atmosphere, a vibe. And for 13 short minutes, I feel seated in Abdullah Ibrahim’s home in Chiemgau, Germany, witnessing seven decades of experience slowly dripping from his fingers and touching my soul.
Abdullah Ibrahim, now 87, has witnessed the horrors of apartheid. He grew up in South Africa and composed what would become known as the “anti-apartheid anthem,” “Mannenberg.” Nelson Mandela called him “our Mozart.” He also successfully made music under the name Dollar Brand, and worked with jazz legends including Duke Ellington, Max Roach, Don Cherry and Archie Shepp. In 1968, he converted to Islam and changed his name from Dollar Brand; more recently, he became an NEA Jazz Master. In my 18 years directing All Things Considered, I’d often reach for his music to play between news stories to give the audience a chance to think and reflect. His music is like that; it’s mind-opening.
And here he is seated at his piano, his white hair luminous, his fingers delicate, while he reflects on the past and helps clarify the present. The music is from his newest album Solotude, a recording made to an empty concert hall in southeast Germany during the 2020 lockdown, which for me became a source of calm when it was released toward the end of 2021. To witness this Tiny Desk (home) concert, I suggest you take these next 13 minutes, turn off your distractions and discover the strength in delicate reflection from a gentle man who has some much to share.
SET LIST
“Blue Bolero”
“Signal On The Hill”
“Once Upon A Midnight”
MUSICIANS
Abdullah Ibrahim: piano
CREDITS
Director / Director of Photography: Tobias Corts
Sound Engineer / Edit / Grading: Florian Epple
TINY DESK TEAM
Producer: Bob Boilen
Video Producer: Joshua Bryant
Audio Mastering: Josh Rogosin
Tiny Production Team: Bobby Carter, Kara Frame, Maia Stern, Ashley Pointer
Executive Producer: Keith Jenkins
Senior VP, Programming: Anya Grundmann
#tinydesk #nprmusic #abdullahibrahim

[@Nishen100]

Can't wait to see him in a few weeks. He is returning home! SOUTH AFRICA

[@Blackgeoff1]

I envy you; If you get to meet him, convey love and good wishes from a long-time fan in a small town in Western Australia ...

[@leoray1234]

I got to interview Mr Ibrahim for my college newspaper back in 1986 when he performed at the Jazz Alley in Seattle. He was such a patient and warm subject, and I was astonished when he returned to Seattle the following year for another tour and according to my mom, he telephoned my home asking for me, though unfortunately I was away on vacation. I’ll never forget that.

[@piersmoore-ede8444]

87 years old, what an absolute legend! These notes contain multitudes..

[@MissOJAY]

Riiight the way he lets each note llingerrr in the air melts me

[@juniorchavesopicassodeyahu988]

What a nice song

[@savitrivinayagampillai3139]

@@juniorchavesopicassodeyahu988 i

[@francesco5663]

amazing... big man...

[@thaDjMauz]

I really respect how he lets silence also play its role, leaving gaps for the sound to breathe.

[@manubande]

Zen...

[@Theinfinitecycle-c]

Soo rare

[@Nicolaspurr]

Can’t overstate how much I needed these soothing, aching, somewhat heart sore tones this evening. So much jarring, noisy, painful stuff in our daily news diet at present. Thank you for this masterful performance.

[@mcharbo8726]

Gotta cut the junk. Food, news, people.

[@magmasunburst9331]

I can't get over how insulting it is that Starbucks literally blasts music. Music is dividing us now not uniting us. That a big corporation would let their employees play loud dissonant rap or other music that just a lot of people find offensive is really amazing if you think about it. It's like something out of Orwell.

[@carmencarvalho1805]

😊

[@mariacarolinabienati2503]

Beauty... Hermoso.... Que significa el 2... La vida se trata de eso, no? Preguntarnos y preguntarnos...

[@yamashitatomoka9234]

生き甲斐 思いがけず日本の話が出てきて、嬉しくなりました こんなに優しいピアノを弾く人が日本の言葉を心に留めてくれている 素敵なひと時をありがとうございます

[@_vic97]

This just makes me proud to be human, let alone be South African. Thank you King Abdullah🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@nelisilewriteous6068]

You're welcome son❤

[@juniorchavesopicassodeyahu988]

Yea!!!!!!!

[@ronaldmohlala9439]

Ka gokwa❤

[@lubabalomahlombe451]

Ma Bru!

[@BespokeSlipp]

Mr. Ibrahim’s playing seems imbued with his entire life’s stories, and it’s very deep and rich like a master chef’s cake or an artist’s apex work. It’s so inspiring to see and hear from a legend like this, thank you NPR!!!

[@trkyrk]

The best thing about the Tiny "Home" Desk concerts is that we get to see and hear artists from all over the world in their own environment.

[@koketsomaluleka742]

The essence of this set is dark and yet celebratory. It's almost as if he's saying life's challenges have been hard, but I've won every time. I can't thank NPR enough for this.

[@joyavanwelsem4446]

Wow, you couldn’t have said it any better. Thank you.

[@jemarjames2062]

Wow thank you for saying this!! I see exactly what you mean and you’re so right

[@AdrianaFraga977]

This post is beautiful. I’d feel you. ❤

[@jeffbakalar1535]

The master of solo piano, for sure. I first saw him play live over 30 years ago, took a bus to a distant city, planned to leave before the end so as not to miss the last bus back. Couldn't do it, he was so captivating, I was rooted to the spot.

[@twilit]

Where did you sleep that night?

[@jeffbakalar1535]

@@twilit I was young and adventurous. It was in Toronto, I stayed up for a few hours, passing time in coffee shops and wandering the streets, still energized from Ibrahim's magic. I met a young fellow running away from home and talked to him for a while. Soon it was daybreak and the busses were running again...

[@Kevin6059]

@@jeffbakalar1535 That sounds like a pretty surreal evening. You won't forget that one I'll bet.

[@timfowkes]

@@Kevin6059 It's been 30 years. ;) Those memories don't fade.

[@timfowkes]

@@jeffbakalar1535 I've been lucky enough to experience similar, a few times in my life. This comment made me realize I need to update my profile pic too. lol

[@romanieo]

Brother Abdullah invited me for tea, and we sat and talked for several hours as he poured into me a bit of the magic presented here in this video. He called his wife over and said of me, pointedly, "he..., is one of us." Those 5 words felt like the diploma he spoke of ( 7:59). Didn't feel ready, and still don't but I do the work 25 hours a day.

[@elihle487]

As a South African, I legit shed a tear when I saw this🥺🥺🥺One of my favourite pianists .

[@kanyampelane9568]

My all-time favourite jazz pianist. I saw him perform 4 years ago at the Fugard Theatre in Cape Town💚🇿🇦

[@ingekussing1720]

I was there as well. A truely breathtaking concert. Such a privilege to attend.

[@kanyampelane9568]

@@ingekussing1720 it was such a moving experience. Indeed, a privilege. I am thankful.

[@RedESoul]

Sitting in the car before walking into a days work and listening to this powerful embodiment of time, age , and wisdom as it's laid into the piano!!! True blessing!!

[@findelmundo7845]

문명의 이로움은 이런 음악과 연주를 침대에서들을 수 있다는 거. .땡큐 이브라힘!

[@iamitumelenglebogang]

I just came across an article that he's about to go on a world tour! Oh how i would love to attend one of his shows. Wishing you safe travels, wonderful audiences and fulfilling experiences Mr Ibrahim! xoxo

[@robertyoung229]

Dumela ntate! If you can find a way to see him in concert by all means make it happen! I have seen him a number of times and each time it just made we want to see him again! Last year I drove my whole family from Canada down to the US to see him and his band play at a college in Vermont. It was breathtaking. After the show he came and met the audience and was so kind in welcoming me to sit with him and meeting my kids and asking them questions - unforgettable! I hope you can find a way to see him this year!

[@TheRealHungryJoe]

Excellent way to start the morning at 4 am! Howdy from Texas, blessings to anyone listening to this beautiful music

[@sheldondebraine6691]

Indeed

[@TheRealHungryJoe]

@@sheldondebraine6691 hope you have a great day!

[@AntoAparicio]

@@TheRealHungryJoe Hope you're having a wonderful one, Joe. Thanks for the positive vibes!

[@PentameronSV]

0:00 - *Blue Bolero* (2:53) 3:39 - *Signal On The Hill* (6:22) 9:17 - *Once Upon A Midnight* [12:53 - Tiny Desk team]

[@twilit]

Thanks

[@dedeewright5998]

🙏🏿🌹❤️😷😇 A long and blessed life May he have. One of the last elders from anti-apartheid battle. 😃🌹🥂🌹

[@msmbjohnson]

Thank you!

[@kenyanthornell9717]

In undergrad college, I learned a lot about jazz. Me and my friends collected cassettes, vinyl, and sometimes cds. It was then I learned about the brilliance of Abdullah Ibrahim. This is a beautiful moment in music. Thank you @npr

[@wallomaie1752]

That South African accent always so good to hear. Legend.

[@_vic97]

You surely know your own when you hear them!

[@varp.]

His opening speech after the first song was absolutely lovely. What a gentleman.

[@SashasMusicSpace]

That was an intense display of consciousness. A window deep into the fabric of the Universe.

[@carlospraia1242]

Well said

[@bassboneful]

Wunderschön. Die Essenz einer essentiellen Musik. DANKE!

[@benjahbroseph]

Waking up to this man's energy makes this one of the best morning's I've had in a while :)

[@dukebloomberg]

I was 14 years old and sat with my older brother in the small, cramped Jazz Club Africana in Zurich (Switzerland) and listened to his music, at that time still Dollar Brand. It was one of my first jazz concerts and deeply influenced my musical love for jazz. And to hear this wonderful man and musician play like this, 53 years later touches me deeply. Thank you Abdulah for enriching my life with your music. Stefan

[@micha0634]

Since about a year I love a person, who'll probably never be mine. I see her almost every day. I live together with my wife and my children. When I think of her or see her there are moments of pleasure and those of desire. Some of grief. This music takes all this together and gives me consolation.

[@hl217]

Back in the day (early 80's) we were helping the ANC in NYC to raise money to fight apartheid. There were so many benefit concerts with Abdul Ibrahim was always there and always so good. He is a GOAT.

[@thaboraborife3513]

These notes are piecing ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@DavidWBrown-eo4lp]

In my opinion, Abdullah Ibrahim is the world's best jazz musician.

[@mogamatyusufmartin6552]

Mr Ibrahim ,...From Cape Town ,south Africa to the world ✊🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿🥳

[@ntobekomtimkulu239]

I could listen to this all day. South Africa is proud of you.

[@nella.mbuduma]

South African legend, we honour you Ntate Ibrahim ❤️🇿🇦 Thanks Tiny Desk!

[@mowngez]

I grew up listening to Ibrahim. I’m 31years today🥺 he has always been a legend. Thank you for this.

[@sethypu]

I’ve been obsessed with the Paak and Mac Miller TD performances, I’ve played them dozens of times. But this video is now my .#1. What a beautiful person and musician . I wish that I could translate my life experiences into music the way that this wonderful human does. Wow.

[@princessnerdfighter]

this is one of the most beautiful tiny desks i have ever encountered

[@Treefellow1]

I first saw this amazing musician in 1973 at Wits University in my second year of study. Then he was with a band of musicians, he played piano, and flute and sang as well.. Including a long piece called if I remember correctly, "Behold the Night"... Have seen him again multiple times over the years in various places, always such a moving experience!

[@danieleaston8443]

It’s truly amazing how deep the roots of a song can be. A man who tells stories with no words. A musician who paints a picture with no brush. A true genius, I am blessed to have found Mr Ibrahims music.

[@sphush4775]

I'm in love with this Legend's music. Their music is life. I wish Minister Mackenzie can give them support to atleast one more chance to have a concert of all of them Caiphus Sebenya and others before they leave this earth as most are already gone. May God give them more life. ❤️

[@evolution405]

I remember him decades ago when ge used to come to my place and jam with my late Dearest uncle - Caster Basini - a then re known Saxophonist for the Iconic Soul JazzMen of PE. It's more than a pleasure to be touch & fortified by such legent while still on his feet Breathing this Spirit of Nostalgic Soul🙏🙏💘💘

[@eqilibrya5994]

as a young singer I had the privilege of being in a rehearsal and on a stage with this incredibly Grace-filled, gentle man on the piano. I was just in the backline ..a kid. years later living in Japan where I had no expectation to hear his music, his songs were ..kind of everywhere. He is a treasure ..his vibration in art is the presence of God manifest. much love ..what a beautiful tdc

[@thato3094]

We're so lucky, man. A couple masters in one lifetime

[@maria-del-c.alvarez1850]

I just heard him playing at age 89. He was performing at the magical Alba Fucens Amphitheater. My life partner Eddie Gomez sent him regards. He was also touring in Italy. An unforgettable and inspiring and joyfully profound experience. He was very kind and remembers Eddie very warmly. It is interesting his birthday will be on October 7 and Eddie’s is On October 4! They are a decade apart. Thanks Mr Abdullah Ibrahim. Carmencita

[@maria-del-c.alvarez1850]

Mr Abdullah Ibrahim will be in NYC at the 92nd street Y on Friday November 15,2024! Bravos!!!

[@RipplesnWaves]

Thank you Tiny Desk for this treat. Don’t know much about him but will do my research and educate myself. Soo glad we can appreciate these loving legends while they are still sharing their talents with us. 🥰

[@hugovaughan]

You have no idea where that is going to take you.

[@Wade-ug5fv]

An 89 year old master musician talking about practicing 25 hours a day. Puts things into perspective big time.

[@xoliswanyandenibhengu7326]

South Africa's 🇿🇦 very own ❤

[@mogamatyusufmartin6552]

Yep yep yep

[@MrEltonArendse]

Although not in the same genre, his daughter (Tsidi Ibrahim aka: Jean Grae) has made a name for herself without name dropping daddy's name. The gift of music was successfully passed down to the next generation. I admire his humility and dedication to the art (and not to the fame)... much love sir...

[@kapajita9]

Jean Grae is the daughter of oom Ibra? Worrrrrd? She has Cape blood in her? Nice to know. Awee ou Dula!

[@nathanvandermerwe]

South African 🇿🇦, Cape Town jazz legend.

[@campbellmcduling7547]

I'm listening to this in Cape Town where I've been living for the past 6 years. I never fully appreciated both the beauty and tragedy of this incredible city until I was exposed to your music. Thank you Mr Ibrahim.

[@Isixhosa_Asitolikwa]

- We Love You Mr Abdullah Ibrahim, Living Legend.

[@absalommahlangu9696]

A living legend, thought he was no more

[@TheSpud78]

Vielen Dank. Ersten Ton gehört und sofort haben Sie mein Herz berührt, wundervolle Darbietung

[@lolilollolilol7773]

I wrote under a Mozart rendition by norwegian pianist Leif Ove Andsnes that only an absolute master could render such a wide range of subtle emotions with so few notes. This is true of Abdullah Ibrahim just as well as of Mozart. But on top of this masterful display of genuine artistry, we get a needed life lesson from a wise and humble old man. Much respect to you, Sir. May you live many more long years with us !

[@SteveG123]

I love Ibrahim's music. His composition, The Wedding, is one of the most beautiful and pure melodies ever written, IMO. How inspiring to see him playing so well and looking so well here. Thank you Tiny Desk.

[@mompatileteane7035]

Water from an ancient well should also resonate with you.

[@Babs.K]

I loved The Wedding so much I had it played at my wedding when I was walking down the isle 😅 If I could have, I would have gotten a band to play it live

[@charmainegamxamus6781]

The wedding 😍❤️ I love it

[@lizajoubert6762]

I got to know Ibrahim's profound music when I had to play at wedding in 1990, and the bride-to-be gave me a tape with "The Wedding" so I could learn it by ear to play at their wedding in Cape Town. I was hooked ever since!

[@SteveG123]

@@lizajoubert6762How lovely.

[@mooo6747]

Thanks, NPR/Tiny Desk. I had not heard of Abdullah Ibrahim until now. What depth his music has. ❤

[@lloydbell1995]

Thank you Tiny Desk. I am a proud South African. This is the music is grew up with!

[@SweePea0704]

Thank you Tiny Desk for introducing me to this master of melody. The first bar truly touched my soul.

[@ronaldmohlala9439]

Thank you to Tiny dest for such an honor, as a South African watchinf this icon now as i am 32 and i first heard him when i was around 11 i am touched and blessed. Thank you Tate Ibrahim ❤. Phela morena

[@papaslim5805]

It's like the piano is speaking and singing like a conversation.

[@lindatauhid9958]

Top of the ‘brand’ @NPR-Respect!

[@BollingWillse]

Solitude is an antidote for loneliness. Thank you

[@Jolie_sailor]

If only these notes could talk. Thank you Mr. Ibrahim for giving us the privilege to have a audience with you. We are ever so lucky.

[@gulbalagulba23]

no fear , no die. bought the cd 25 years ago.most beautifull sound i ever heard.the songs, the quality, the message from the movie no fear, no die.respect mr Ibrahim. i had it tattoed on my arm!!

[@jonathanklopp7427]

Gentle, beautiful, and a relief from the constant abrasive diet of modern involvement. thank you so much.

[@geoffforduk]

I feel like I could listen to him play and/or just talk for hours and hours on end.

[@romanieo]

2:53 Handkerchief + Buttondown Shirt = Legend and Master of Musical Space and Time

[@tiebukuro3413]

i think i surely heard sound of silence, which i needed these days. thank you for the concert!

[@mbongiseninkosi8078]

Painting a Master Piece with keys and soul. Some things you can't learn, pure gift from Allah.

[@1Chick4u]

Aww man, I’m his late 80s and still play so beautifully… thank you for these soothing and beautiful notes

[@1keyl]

My husband got tickets for an Abdullah Ibrahim concert in Berlin last November. To me, he was a new discovery. Through little gems like this is that I see my husband with entirely different eyes when tedium has settled...

[@anonymouswife007]

Cannot believe I didn’t know him before this!! Thank you tiny desk I wouldn’t be able to have the pleasure of such melody if you didn’t upload this master of piano.

[@carlospraia1242]

Our own African hero 😍👌

[@kabzimpossible1566]

I grew up to the sounds of this man's command of the piano. Thanks to my parents. It's wonderful to see him on a platform like NPR. I'm touched.

[@lungiledsa]

We love and respect you so so much Baba wethu Abdullah Ibrahim. You make the world proud to be human❤

[@tonimalwane3599]

I missed your show Ntate Ibrahim but i know the Universe will make it possible to watch you playing in the near present moment 😊

[@jedtulman46]

And he can make you cry.... so powerful so clear and so spare . A true Master .thank you Abdullah.

[@mysticrelaxationmusic8162]

I wish to spend time with these legends❤️👑 I grew up listening to him. My dad played his music every morning at 4 a.m and I would wake up for school at 5 listening to his music softly coming from the lounge

[@ludlwathi6998]

😫😭South Africans needa give this man his flowers rn 💐💐💐💐💐

[@Mandez91]

What a legend this guy is!!

[@clintonpeters6335]

Absolutely 💯

[@guancheaborigencanario1944]

It is a pleasure to listen to you. thanks a lot. Greetings from the Canary Islands 🙌🙌🇮🇨

[@stephenarendsechoralworksa745]

Abdullah Ibrahim is my go-to when I miss home. Nothing makes me feel like home more than his music.

[@OmphileKgatle]

Love and appreciate you, sir. 🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦

[@shutterninjas7230]

South African legends 🇿🇦❤️

[@janicestevenson6496]

Great artists and musicians reveal much to us without words. Thank you Mr. Ibrahim for your gift of great music. We all have greatness to reveal and we must learn how to express that greatness in the world. Here is a quote from the writings of Marshall Vian Summers about this: "With simplicity, humility and without false assumptions, remembering that you are a beginning student of Knowledge, you will be able to learn how to reveal greatness in the world. This is quite essential because the world is ambivalent towards greatness, towards Knowledge and towards love... Recognize how ambivalent you have been regarding your life... Realize that the world is ambivalent and accept this, for this is the current state of the world. Realize that you must give with wisdom and discernment. And realize that you must let Knowledge give of itself and not try to give from your own ambition or need to avoid a sense of inadequacy. Allow your giving to be true...Your giving, then, will give of itself in a way that ...will preserve you and that will honor those who receive your gift. This will bring them out of their ambivalence, as you are now being led into the light yourself."(Steps to Knowledge, MVS)

[@johnchapman5125]

Thanks Janice

[@headstrong2568]

What a lovely quote!

[@mmarrotte101]

Thank you for this Janice, this is what all people must learn.

[@tottysifuentesper]

Tks for sharing such a great and deep quote!

[@awaliwu]

The beautiful sounds of human creativity and magic, connecting the soul to heaven and earth. May all delusion and madness swiftly be wiped from the face of the earth. May healing be upon us all.

[@heartmeek]

Hello 👋, How are you doing today?

[@rallypally]

The space and time.... deep and powerful!

[@hesterjoseph3339]

How wonderful to listen to my dear friend Abdullah on a Sunday afternoon in South Africa ❤

[@chrisnash6992]

Thank you for taking me out of the world for a few minutes and into a calming peaceful space away from the horrors of all the current world events. It was magic.

[@pilot07]

Awesome. Superb. What a Gift. This Kind of Music is not "Jazz". It's Medicine for the Soul. Greetings from Nürnberg

[@catfood8863]

Thank you sir. I needed this... I think we all do right now. Peace please...

[@libadviser8793]

Over 60 years of professional playing, these are years where Abdullah Ibrahim just let his talent out and we consume this fine offering 🫴. I love this old timer and thanks to his talent and love which he has been dishing out since I was a little boy, I grew up on this. Thank you sir, Modimo a go tshegofatse.

[@tselit7491]

The sheer pleasure. The wisdom. Thank you ntate Abdullah.

[@Asherov]

A. Ibrahim is a great musician and a somewhat-hidden treasure. Explore his vast catalogue.

[@nelisiweshahidamsomi8489]

Just what I needed ❤️. Alhamdulillah for your life and gift❤️

[@mamabear3764]

OMG...this touches my soul sooo very much! I lost my dad last year at 87 yo and this 87 yo gentleman looks similar to him. Can't help but cry and smile at the same time wishing my Pop was here to listen to these beautiful sounds. God bless him for being able to deliver such joy through his gift to so many people. I am so blessed by this performance.

[@sengieshabalala2947]

A gem in South African music. I'm so in love♥️

[@notcerce]

one of the greatest

[@musicbydavidsmith]

I am sitting down to listen again. What a sage.

[@thaboraborife3513]

O'Bra Dollar Brand, ndoko mane,n ou klip ek se,n Meister die een, salute my topie🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦

[@DrNobuLali]

My muse, the most significant musician in my life, my daily listen. Ah thank you AI for this Tiny Desk concert. Love and adore you and your music!

[@fizzlepretzel3052]

Please give this gentleman his flowers, his sound made me love jazz from my childhood days, I was always seen weird for loving jazz and understanding the art of it