The Kyle Shepherd Xahuri Trio Plays the Music of Abdullah Ibrahim

The Kyle Shepherd Xahuri Trio Plays the Music of Abdullah Ibrahim

The Sankayi Jazz Series is proud to present The Kyle Shepherd Xahuri Trio Plays the Music of Abdullah Ibrahim, a new concert project celebrating one of the most important bodies of work in South African jazz.

Created especially for this project, the trio presents a carefully curated programme of Abdullah Ibrahim's compositions through contemporary interpretation, improvisation and deep musical engagement. Rather than a tribute, the performance continues one of jazz's oldest traditions: each generation returning to the music of its masters to discover new meaning and new artistic possibilities.

For pianist Kyle Shepherd, this music represents a deeply personal journey. His connection to Abdullah Ibrahim's work spans more than three decades, beginning with his mother, Michele Shepherd, who performed and toured with Dr Ibrahim before later teaching at his M7 Music School in Cape Town. Inspired by this legacy, Kyle has come to know Abdullah Ibrahim's music not simply as repertoire, but as a philosophy of listening, improvisation and artistic integrity.

Joining Kyle are Benjamin Jephta on double bass and Marlon Witbooi on drums. The trio has been assembled specifically for this project, with each musician belonging to a generation of Cape Town artists profoundly influenced by Abdullah Ibrahim's music.

Join us for two intimate evenings celebrating the enduring legacy of one of South Africa's greatest musical voices through the artistry of one of its leading contemporary pianists.

Guests are encouraged to arrive from 18:00 to choose their preferred seating and enjoy dinner and drinks before the performance. Seating is allocated on a first come, first served basis. For an uninterrupted listening experience, the kitchen closes 30 minutes before the performance and reopens during the interval. Music begins at 20:00.