A Brother With Perfect Timing is a 1987 documentary film, directed by Chris Austin, about musician Abdullah Ibrahim and his struggle against apartheid in South Africa.

[2] A Brother With Perfect Timing was filmed in 1986—four years before the release from prison of Nelson Mandela, and while the apartheid regime was still in place.

At times he is the narrator, telling stories and sharing anecdotes, cultural and musical history lessons, offering metaphors, and even jokes for how he and other musicians developed and grew into being.

[4] The New York Times positively reviewed the film, calling it "a well-rounded view of a musician for whom exile means both pain and inspiration".

[6] Coda magazine also reviewed the documentary, commenting that Ibrahim "comes across as an admirable and dignified religious man".