Celebrate 2019 National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master Abdullah Ibrahim!


By Paulette Beete
Abdullah Ibrahim
2019 National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master Abdullah Ibrahim. Photo by Marina Umari

"This is what jazz music does: it gives you that insight into yourself because you constantly challenge yourself.... [J]azz music opens you to you." — Abdullah Ibrahim

National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master Abdullah Ibrahim combines the rhythmic influences of South Africa with the improvisation of jazz to create his spiritually enriching music, whether performing solo, with a trio, a full band, or an orchestra. This blend of the traditional and the modern is reflected in his distinctive style, harmonies, and musical vocabulary. More.
Don't forget to join us Monday, April 15 as we celebrate all of the 2019 National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Masters at a Tribute Concert at Washington, DC's Kennedy Center. Watch live on arts.gov starting at 8:00pm ET!