Pakistan, June 16 -- South African jazz pianist and composer Abdullah Ibrahim, a globally celebrated figure in music and a powerful cultural voice against apartheid, has died at the age of 91 in Germany, his family confirmed on Monday.

According to a family statement, Ibrahim passed away peacefully surrounded by relatives after a short illness. Over a career spanning several decades, he recorded more than 70 albums and became one of the most influential jazz musicians to emerge from Africa.

Born in Cape Town, Ibrahim began performing professionally at just 15 years old. His early talent later brought him international recognition when he was discovered in 1963 in a Zurich jazz club by legendary American pianist Duke Ellington. The encou...