South African jazz legend Abdullah Ibrahim, whose music helped shape a distinctive South African jazz sound and became closely associated with the struggle against apartheid, has died at the age of 91.

His family announced that he passed away peacefully in Germany following a short illness.

In a statement released on behalf of the family, Ibrahim was remembered as a towering musical figure whose work reflected both his artistic genius and his deep commitment to South Africa.

Paying tribute to the acclaimed pianist and composer, Cyril Ramaphosa said Ibrahim’s creations celebrated the country that inspired both his political convictions and musical brilliance.

Born Adolph Johannes Brand in Cape Town in 1934, Ibrahim discovered music at an early age and began composing on the piano when he was just seven years old. What started with picking out melodies on a keyboard developed into an extraordinary career spanning more than eight decades and producing dozens of influential recordings.

Among his most celebrated works was the iconic 1974 composition Mannenberg. The piece became one of the defining musical symbols of resistance to apartheid, South Africa’s system of institutionalized racial segregation and white-minority rule.

Originally performing under the stage name Dollar Brand, Ibrahim adopted his current name after converting to Islam in the late 1960s.

His musical journey began in Cape Town, where as a teenager he played in swing bands, formed his own trio and later joined the influential jazz group The Jazz Epistles. The ensemble also featured fellow South African jazz giant Hugh Masekela.

During the apartheid era, jazz music was often viewed with suspicion by authorities because it challenged social divisions and encouraged interaction between people of different racial backgrounds. As apartheid policies became increasingly entrenched after 1948, musicians such as Ibrahim faced growing restrictions and pressures.

Despite those challenges, Ibrahim emerged as one of Africa’s most respected musicians, earning international recognition for blending African rhythms, jazz improvisation and spiritual influences into a unique musical style that resonated across generations.

Global pop superstar Taylor Swift delivered an emotional 21-minute speech as she was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, becoming the youngest woman ever to receive the honor.

Speaking at the induction ceremony in New York, Swift fought back tears as she paid tribute to her family for the sacrifices they made to support her dreams of becoming a songwriter.

The singer recalled how her parents relocated the family from Pennsylvania to Nashville when she was just 14 years old so she could develop her talent in what is widely regarded as the heart of the songwriting industry.

Reflecting on the move, Swift said it could not have been easy for her parents and brother to leave everything behind and start a new life in pursuit of her ambitions. She added that no words could fully express her gratitude for their support and described them as the reason she was standing on the stage receiving the prestigious recognition.

The 36-year-old artist was introduced by acclaimed filmmaker Steven Spielberg, whom she praised as one of her heroes and a major influence on her approach to storytelling.

During her speech, Swift reflected on her career journey and described songwriting as the one aspect of her profession that had always felt natural and instinctive. While she had to learn how to perform before large audiences, master choreography, navigate the music industry and protect her mental well-being through years of challenges and experience, she said songwriting was something that came from within.

The recognition caps another remarkable period in Swift’s career. Her latest album, The Life of a Showgirl, broke her previous sales records following its release in October, further cementing her status as one of the most successful artists of her generation.

Swift now becomes the second-youngest person ever inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. The only inductee to receive the honor at a younger age was Stevie Wonder, who joined the institution at the age of 33.

Social media star and Britain’s Got Talent judge KSI has announced that he is leaving the Sidemen after 13 years, marking the end of one of the most successful partnerships in YouTube history.

KSI, whose real name is Olajide Olatunji, revealed the decision in an emotional video posted on YouTube, saying it had been one of the most difficult choices of his career.

“This is honestly the hardest video I’ve ever had to make in my life,” he told fans.

“I’ve gone back and forth on this decision for a very long time. I’ve spent months trying to figure out what the right thing to do is.

“But after a lot of thought, I’ve decided that I will no longer be doing Sidemen videos. Today, 31 May, will be my final Sidemen video.”

KSI has been a member of the Sidemen since 2013, helping transform the group from a collection of friends making gaming videos into one of the world’s biggest online entertainment brands. The collective’s main YouTube channel has amassed more than 23 million subscribers, while its members have a combined audience of more than 140 million subscribers across their platforms.

Reflecting on the group’s early years, KSI said he never imagined the scale of success they would achieve.

“We built something that none of us ever thought was possible, especially back then when we were making random videos together and playing GTA,” he said.

The content creator stressed that his departure was not linked to any disagreement within the group.

“Nothing bad has happened. This decision is completely my own,” he explained.

KSI said increasing commitments outside the Sidemen had made it difficult to continue giving the group his full attention.

“Over the last few years, I’ve felt myself being pulled in a lot of directions more than ever before. Between everything else in my life, I feel like I’ve been running at full speed, at 100mph.”

He also thanked fellow Sidemen members Simon Minter, Josh Bradley, Vikram Barn, Tobi Brown, Ethan Payne and Harry Lewis, saying they deserved someone who could commit fully to the group’s activities.

In a statement posted on social media, the Sidemen said they were saddened by the news and admitted the decision had come unexpectedly.

“We had an amazing time on this journey with him and we wish him all the best with his future endeavours,” the group said.

“This came as a surprise to us and we know it will be an adjustment for you, but we’ve got lots of exciting stuff planned that we can’t wait to share.”

Since its formation, the Sidemen have become one of the most influential creator groups on the internet. Their videos, ranging from travel challenges and comedy content to dating shows and charity football matches, have attracted hundreds of millions of views worldwide.

The group has also expanded into business ventures including food, clothing and beverage brands, while their annual charity football events have raised millions of pounds for charitable causes.