Historic times in America.
Overdue times, as well.
Of the myriad songs that leap to mind–songs of faith, songs of love, songs of hope–there is one song in particular (and one artist) that seems to best represent the moment: a moment merging today with what’s already happened, and what’s to come.
A few words about Ibrahim: born in 1934 in Cape Town, South Africa, he was discovered in Europe by Duke Ellington, who arranged his first session. At this time, known as Dollar Brand, he developed a style that incorporated the subtle (and disarmingly complex) syncopations of Thelonious Monk, as well as the traditional, deeply spiritual music of Africa. Upon converting to Islam he changed his name to Abdullah Ibrahim. Compatriot of Nelson Mandela, and progenitor of “real” world music, Ibrahim has been a ceaseless force of peace and unity, and his ability to weave his faith and his art–as an American, as an African–make him a natural ally in the path toward progress that Barack Obama has crystallized this week.
Salaam.
