Abdullah Ibrahim withdraws from Cape Town International Jazz Festival over Coronavirus fears

Abdullah Ibrahim withdraws from Cape Town International Jazz Festival over Coronavirus fears

Legendary jazz artist Abdullah Ibrahim will no longer be performing at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival. 

Abdullah Ibrahim playing the piano
Abdullah Ibrahim playing the piano/ YouTube screenshot

Abdullah Ibrahim is one of the artists who was booked to perform at the 21st International Jazz Festival later this month.

However, the singer has pulled out from the festival after coronavirus hit South Africa last week. 

READ: Ramaphosa: Too early to consider coronavirus travel ban

The announcement was made on Saturday by the Cape Town International Jazz Festival.

"The Cape Town International Jazz Festival regrets to inform festinos that Abdullah Ibrahim has withdrawn from his performance at this year’s festival. Festival management has been informed that his decision was taken in light of concerns around travelling, due to the Coronavirus."

The Cape Town International Jazz Festival is scheduled to take place from 27 to 28 March at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. 

Ibrahim is not the only artist who will no longer be performing at the festival. 

Last week, organisers of the event announced that they will no longer be having Sjava on the line-up. 

This is after the media reported that a rape case was opened against the musician by Lady Zamar. Sjava has since denied the allegations.


Below is the line-up for the Cape Town International Jazz Festival:

- Judith Sephuma

- Bombshelter Beast 

- Earl Sweatshirt (USA)

- Ezra Collective (United Kingdom)

- Grassy Spark 

- Joel Ross (USA)

- Johan Lass 

- Jonas Gwangwa Tribute 

- KOKOROKO (United Kingdom)

- Kuaetnika (Indonesia)

- Manou Gallo (Côte d'Ivoire)

- Sounds of Brass 

- The Unity Band 

- Saudiq Khan 

Image courtesy of YouTube screenshot.

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