Lagos States jazz scene is about to pay a well deserved tribute to one of Africa’s most respected cultural visionaries, late Rashid Lombard.
The deceased is set to be honoured with a special concert and jam session hosted by the Lagos International Jazz Festival (LIJF), presented by Inspiro Productions.
The free concert is scheduled to go down at LIVE Lounge, 15 Idejo Street, Off Adeola Odeku, Victoria Island, Lagos, from 5 PM.
Rashid Lombard was a popular South African photographer, cultural activist and apartheid-era freedom fighter, who died on the 4th of June, 2025, at the age of 74.
The founder of the globally acclaimed Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF) recorded South Africa’s emotional struggle against apartheid with his camera, bravely capturing both the harsh realities of oppression and the united spirit of the oppressed communities.
His outstanding photographs have remained an uplifting visual archive of SA’s long and inspiring journey to freedom for years.
Beyond his work with the camera, late Rashid would be remembered for creating Africa’s Grandest Gathering – the Cape Town International Jazz Festival.
Founded 25 years ago in collaboration with the North Sea Jazz Festival, CTIJF grew into one of the world’s biggest and most respected jazz events, attracting almost 40,000 attendees from all over the world yearly.
His vision guaranteed a global platform for African musicians, aided cultural exchange, kick-started careers, and empowered several young artists via outreach, masterclasses, and education.
Since his death, tributes have been pouring in from various Jazz singers, festival organizers and politicians across Africa, hailing him for his brilliant contributions to the growth of the continent.
“A cultural icon who not only documented our history of struggle but made history in his own right.
Rashid’s fearless depiction of apartheid’s inhumanity, coupled with his entrepreneurial brilliance in founding the Cape Town Jazz Festival, placed South Africa firmly on the global jazz map.
He achieved a remarkable feat with his love for the diversity and vibrancy of our nation. We reflect on his life with gratitude and joy, for the liberation and cultural legacy he leaves behind,” South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said.
Appreciating Rashid Lombad for his service to humanity, the Lagos jazz community, led by Ayoola Sadare (a.k.a Shaddie Bobo), CEO of Inspiro Productions and organizer of the Lagos International Jazz Festival, is joining the international celebration of his exemplary life.
According to Sodare, late Rashid was his mentor, friend and dad who was a living proof that we are never too old to dream.
He revealed that Rashid chased all of his dreams without fear, stressing that he won’t forget how his boss mentored and guided him for many years.
Sodare concluded by praying for the deceased to rest in perfect peace, while the legacy he left behind continues to speak on his behalf.
“The jazz world — especially jazz in Africa — has lost a giant. My boss, mentor, friend, father… Mr. Rashid Lombard. For a man of his stature, he was truly GREAT. TOO GREAT. They don’t make them like him anymore.
This year, 2025, marks 20 years since I first met him at his festival in Cape Town, introduced by veteran journalist Nseobong Okon-Ekong, who had before then been a guest at his festival.
His vision became the spark and model for what I do today. Rashid had big dreams, and he pursued them fearlessly.
From him, I learned that one is never too old to dream again, to set new goals. He took a personal interest in my work, mentoring and guiding me.
I know he loved me deeply, and I loved him too. His daughter and close confidant till the very end, Yana Lomabrd Williams, told me so too. Rest in peace, Boss,” he added.
Folami David writes on trends and pop culture. He is a creative writer, and he is passionate about music and football.
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