One of Africa’s greatest cultural icons, Rashid Lombard, will be honoured in a special tribute jam session taking place in Lagos on Sunday, June 29, 2025.
Hosted by the Lagos International Jazz Festival (LIJF) and presented by Inspiro Productions, the free-of-charge concert will hold at LIVE Lounge, 15, Idejo Street, off Adeola Odeku, Victoria Island, Lagos. Time: 5pm.
A renowned South African photographer, cultural activist, apartheid-era freedom fighter and founder of the globally acclaimed Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF), Rashid Lombard died on June 4, 2025. He was aged 74.
Beyond photojournalism
Armed with his camera, Lombard chronicled South Africa’s turbulent struggle against apartheid, courageously documenting both the brutal realities of oppression and the indomitable spirit of marginalized communities. His iconic photographs remain a powerful visual archive of South Africa’s journey to freedom.
Yet beyond photojournalism, Lombard’s most enduring legacy was the creation of Africa’s Grandest Gathering – the Cape Town International Jazz Festival.
Founded in 2000 as a partnership with the North Sea Jazz Festival, Cape Town International Jazz Festival blossomed into one of the world’s largest and most prestigious jazz events, annually drawing nearly 40,000 attendees from around the globe.
Lombard’s vision provided a global stage for African musicians, fostered cultural exchange, launched careers and empowered countless young artists through education, master classes and outreaches.
Since his passing, however, tributes have poured in from across continents. Jazz artists, festival organizers, and political leaders have paid homage to his remarkable contributions.
South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa described him as a cultural icon that not only documented the nation’s history of struggle, but also 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,” he stated.
Lagos: A special bond
The Lagos jazz community led by Ayoola Sadare aka Shaddie Bobo, CEO of Inspiro Productions and organiser of the Lagos International Jazz Festival, joins the international celebration of Lombard’s extraordinary life.
Reflecting on his mentor’s passing, Sadare shared, “The jazz world – especially jazz in Africa – has lost a giant in my boss, mentor, friend and father, Mr. Rashid Lombard. For a man of his stature, he was truly great. They don’t make them like him anymore!”
Narrating how he met Lombard, Sadare said: “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 regular guest at his jazz 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, 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, Big Boss!”
Night of music and memories
Lombard’s relationship with Lagos and Nigeria’s jazz community was built on a solid foundation through Sadare’s mentorship. Therefore, on Sunday, Lagos will celebrate his life the way he would have wanted: with vibrant live music, warm memories, and shared unity.
“This is more than a tribute jam session,” Sadare noted. “It’s a statement that his light shines on across Africa and the world.”
The evening’s powerful lineup features a stellar array of Nigerian music stars including Bright Gain, Wale Adeyemi, Victor Ademofe, Gloria Ibru, Herbert Kunle Ajayi (HKA), Agba Joshu, Kue Bounce, Elfreda Nana, Samuel Ayunke, Jesse Bangz, A Stringz, Zosu, Michael Gbenga, Mikifa, and many more.
Two continents. One spirit
Lombard’s vision extended far beyond music, he saw jazz as a global language capable of uniting people, cultures and generations. The Lagos musical tribute embodies that vision – a living testament to pan-African solidarity and enduring power of music to heal, connect and inspire.
“Admission is free. The memories are priceless. Join us in music, memories and heartfelt celebration, as we honour a true icon of African arts and culture… Rashid Lombard. Forever in our hearts,” Sadare concluded.
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