Latest news with #CTIJF
IOL News
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Tributes pour in for acclaimed photographer and jazz visionary, Rashid Lombard
Rashid Lombard, surrounded by posters of musicians, says jazz has kept him sane in terrible places. Picture: BRENTON GEACH Lengendary photographer and jazz visionary, Rashid Lombard has died at the age of 74. Image: BRENTON GEACH TRIBUTES poured in following the death of acclaimed photographer and jazz visionary Rashid Lombard at the age of 74. He died on Wednesday, surrounded by his loved ones. The Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF) was the brainchild of Lombard, who was also a recipient of the Order of Ikhamanga in Silver 'for his excellent contribution to arts and culture and his dedication to promoting jazz music that has put South Africa on the map for many jazz enthusiasts around the world'. He was a freelance photographer and television sound recordist during the height of the anti-apartheid struggle. Lombard's lens captured the unrest and hope of a nation in transition for international media outlets including Agence France-Presse, the BBC, and NBC. Over the course of his career, he documented pivotal moments in South Africa's journey to freedom, including the rise of the democratic movement in the 1980s, the release of Nelson Mandela in 1990, and the country's first democratic elections in 1994. With democracy came the opportunity to fully embrace his other great passion - jazz. He served as station manager at Fine Music Radio and later as programming manager at P4 Smooth Jazz Radio. In 1997, Lombard founded espAfrika, the events management company behind the CTIJF, which he launched in 2000 and directed until his retirement in 2014. Today, the Sekunjalo Group and the Survé Family, as the owners of espAfrika "remain steadfast in their commitment to honouring the CTIJF's vision of bringing together jazz lovers and showcasing the rich tapestry of jazz genres from South Africa and around the world," espAfrika said. After stepping away from the festival, Lombard took over the digitisation of his archives, a task previously managed by his wife Colleen Rayson. He later partnered with the National Archives and the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) to make the collection publicly accessible online as a national heritage resource. His daughter will now carry this work forward. President Cyril Ramaphosa said said the country had lost a "cultural icon who not only documented our history of struggle but made history in his own right". 'Rashid Lombard's fearless depiction of apartheid's endemic inhumanity and violence and his compassionate focus on the lives of oppressed communities and disadvantaged individuals is a powerful record of our struggle for basic human rights and dignity.'His creative and entrepreneurial ability gave rise to his establishment of the Cape Town Jazz Festival through which he bolstered South Africa's integration into global culture and linked this prestige event to the development of historically disadvantaged communities.'Rashid achieved a remarkable feat with his love for the diversity and vibrancy of our nation.'He did so with passion and humility that endeared him to everyone with whom he interacted and whose lives he touched. We reflect on his life with gratitude and with liberation and joy he leaves behind as his legacy," Ramaphosa said. GOOD Party leader, Patricia De Lille, extended condolences to Lombard's family, friends, and all music lovers. 'During my time as the Mayor of Cape Town, I had the privilege of working alongside Rashid. The Jazz Festival stood out not just as a world-class musical showcase but as an all-inclusive event that actively worked to build a more inclusive city, one that welcomed all, regardless of colour or creed. Beyond the stage, Rashid Lombard was a celebrated photojournalist whose powerful imagery captured the rise of South Africa's democratic movement and celebrated the vibrant pulse of South African jazz. His extraordinary archive, more than 500 000 film negatives, video and audio recordings, is now preserved at the University of the Western Cape, a treasure trove of memory and meaning. Rashid Lombard's legacy is one of passion, purpose, and people. We honour his life, his art, and his enduring impact,' De Lille said. Ryland Fisher said: 'He was much (more) than a comrade, friend and former colleague to me and many others. I regret that we never had that final catchup that we promised each other. Go well, my brother. At least your pain and suffering is over. May your soul rest in peace.' He is survived by his lifelong-partner Colleen, his sister Fazoe Sydow and his children Chevan, Shadley, Yana, Zach, and Daniel, and his grandchildren Liya, Aydin-Malik, Oliver, Amir Uccio, and Stella Ahed. He will be buried according to Muslim rites on Thursday. Cape Times
IOL News
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Tributes pour in for Rashid Lombard, jazz visionary and acclaimed photographer
Rashid Lombard was visionary political photojournalist, activist and jazz photographer whose work immortalised pivotal events in South Africa's transition to democracy. Image: Phando Jikelo/Independent Newspaper Archives Condolences poured in for acclaimed photographer, cultural activist and jazz visionary Rashid Lombard, who passed away on Wednesday at the age of 74, surrounded by his loved ones. In 1997, Rashid founded espAfrika, the events management company behind one of his most enduring legacies - the Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF), which he launched in 2000 and directed until his retirement in 2014. After stepping away from the festival, Rashid took over the digitisation of his archives, a task previously managed by his wife Colleen. President Cyril Ramaphosa paid tribute to Lombard, saying that the country has lost a cultural icon 'who not only documented our history of struggle but made history in his own right'. 'Rashid Lombard's fearless depiction of apartheid's endemic inhumanity and violence and his compassionate focus on the lives of oppressed communities and disadvantaged individuals is a powerful record of our struggle for basic human rights and dignity. 'His creative and entrepreneurial ability gave rise to his establishment of the CTIJF through which he bolstered South Africa's integration into global culture and linked this prestigious event to the development of historically disadvantaged communities,' Ramaphosa said. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. 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Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille said during her time as the Mayor of Cape Town, she had the privilege of working alongside him. 'The CTIJF stood out not just as a world-class musical showcase but as an all-inclusive event that actively worked to build a more inclusive city, one that welcomed all, regardless of colour or creed. 'Beyond the stage, Rashid Lombard was a celebrated photojournalist whose powerful imagery captured the rise of South Africa's democratic movement and celebrated the vibrant pulse of South African jazz. De Lille said Lombard's extraordinary archive, more than 500,000 film negatives, video and audio recordings, is now preserved at the University of the Western Cape, describing it as a treasure trove of memory and meaning. 'Rashid Lombard's legacy is one of passion, purpose, and people. We honour his life, his art, and his enduring impact.' In a joint statement espAfrika, the Sekunjalo Group and Survé Family said Lombard's passing is a profound loss to South Africa and the global arts community. 'Rashid's legacy is etched across multiple spheres—from his work as a courageous photojournalist during the anti-apartheid struggle, to his pioneering role in founding espAfrika and conceptualising the CTIJF, now ranked among the four largest jazz festivals in the world. 'Today, the Sekunjalo Group and the Survé Family, as the owners of espAfrika, remain steadfast in their commitment to honouring the CTIJF's vision of bringing together jazz lovers and showcasing the rich tapestry of jazz genres from South Africa and around the world.' The family and group also extended their deepest sympathies to his loved ones. Born on 10 April 1951 in North End, Gqeberha, Lombard moved with his family to Cape Town in 1962. Originally trained as an architectural draftsman and later as an industrial photographer, he began his career with construction giant Murray & Roberts. Lombard worked as a freelance photographer and television sound recordist during the height of the anti-apartheid struggle. Over the course of his career, he documented pivotal moments in South Africa's journey to freedom, including the rise of the democratic movement in the 1980s, the release of Nelson Mandela in 1990, and the country's first democratic elections in 1994. Rashid Lombard, who passed away on Wednesday at the age of 74, is seen in this file image, surrounded by posters of musicians. Image: Brenton Geach/Independent Newspapers (Archives) He later partnered with the National Archives and the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) to make the collection publicly accessible online as a national heritage resource. His daughter will now carry this work forward. In 2014, he was awarded the prestigious National Order of Ikhamanga in Silver 'for his excellent contribution to arts and culture and his dedication to promoting jazz music that has put South Africa on the map for many jazz enthusiasts around the world". Artscape CEO, Marlene le Roux said that Lombard was not just the founder of the CTIJF, formerly the Cape Town North Sea Jazz Festival, but an iconic photographer and activist. 'He used the arts, and he used his photography to fight against apartheid. His art was a commentary on what was happening in society, and he also served the arts on so many levels.' Le Roux said that she immediately informed her team that the youth jazz event happening on the 13th of June, will be dedicated to Lombard. 'He is a legend. He was just not a photographer, or music appreciator, he was an all-rounder. Using the arts as a vehicle to talk about social justice, humanity, kindness, and how arts can influence our society. It is a huge loss. 'Personally, he was also a friend who always encouraged me to do my best, and to never give up. He was a person that would try to support you, from the sidelines, and never made it about himself.' Rashid Lombard was political photojournalist, activist and a jazz photographer. Image: Phando Jikelo/Independent Newspaper Condolences also poured in on social media from many who knew Lombard. Performer Alistair Izobell, said: 'My heart is broken', and radio presenter Clarence Ford, said 'I will cherish the very many memories I was fortunate to make and have with you! Much love, always!' Media veteran Ryland Fisher said: 'He was much than a comrade, friend and former colleague to me and many others. I regret that we never had that final catchup that we promised each other. Go well, my brother. At least your pain and suffering is over. May your soul rest in peace.' Fine Music Radio said: 'We are so grateful to Rashid for laying the foundations that are now, 30 years later, Fine Music Radio.' He is survived by his lifelong-partner Colleen Lombard, his sister Fazoe Sydow and his children Chevan, Shadley, Yana, Zach, and Daniel, and his grandchildren Liya, Aydin-Malik, Oliver, Amir Uccio, and Stella Ahed. His granddaughter Hannah passed away in 2002. Lombard will be buried according to Muslim rites. The janaazah (burial) will be held on Thursday at 11.30am, at the family home.
IOL News
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Cape Town International Jazz Festival: Where Legacy Meets Tomorrow
The Cape Town International Jazz Festival bridges the past and future, celebrating the rich legacy of jazz as a powerful voice for freedom and unity, writes Sekunjalo Deputy Chairman Rayhaan Survé. Image: Independent Media Rayhaan Survé For some, jazz is a rhythm that unlocks joy. For others, it is the sound of resistance, a voice when words fail, a melody infused with pain and hope. For me, jazz is freedom. It is a global language that crosses borders, cultures, and time zones, one that speaks of unity, memory, and possibility. The legacy of jazz is inseparable from humanity's most defining struggles and triumphs. From its beginnings in New Orleans in the 20th century to its arrival and integration with Marabi in South Africa, jazz has always stood as both witness and participant in history. Viewed by the apartheid regime as subversive, jazz was heavily policed, censored, and pushed underground. Musicians and gatherings were targeted, yet the music endured, in townships and homes, becoming a symbol of unity and resistance. Lira delivered a powerful and emotional performance on the Kippies stage on the final night of the 22nd Cape Town International Jazz Festival. Image: Armand Hough / Independent Newspapers Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Icons like Hugh Masekela, Miriam Makeba, Abdullah Ibrahim, Caiphus Semenya, and Letta Mbulu carried the torch of liberation through their music that captured both the pain of oppression and the dream of a free South Africa. Globally, musicians such as Carlos Santana and Harry Belafonte also stood in solidarity with South Africa, proving that jazz and resistance knew no borders. The movement 'Artists Against Apartheid' united voices against racial injustice from South Africa to around the world including the United Kingdom and USA. The values that jazz represented through the 1900s: freedom of expression, unity, and creativity, are the very values that I hold dear and why we, as the Survé Family, continue to support The Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF).The festival has continued to bring together people of all ages, ethnicities and backgrounds to celebrate Jazz and what it means. It is the music of emotional honesty, of individuality within harmony. The crowd feeds off the energy brought by Masego, as the multi-instrumentalist moved around the Kippies stage at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival on Friday evening. Image: Armand Hough / Independent Newspapers We have played a key role in keeping jazz alive worldwide, with the festival ranked among the top four jazz festivals globally. Over the years, the festival has grown in scope and influence, attracting talent from overseas while nurturing local voices, and inviting collaborations that transcend genres. But more than its scale, it is the festival's soul that stands out, a soul rooted in inclusivity, heritage, and artistic freedom. Now in its 22nd edition, the CTIJF, known as Africa's grandest gathering, continues to honour its role as the largest jazz festival in Africa and one of the continent's most important cultural gatherings. This year's theme, 'Legacy Meets Tomorrow,' celebrated the festival's rich heritage and its evolving future. It showcased both legendary artists, like Masego and the emotional return of Lira to the stage, representing a bridge between the past and future, incorporating both the traditional and modern. Black Coffee and Nduduzo Makhathini closed their show strongly, elevating the spirit of CTIJF to new heights. Image: Armand Hough / Independent Newspapers Thousands of people from across the globe attended the CTIJF 2025 where top local and international artists took to the stage. Image: Armand Hough / Independent Newspapers Part concert, part ritual: Thandiswa Mazwai mesmerises the crowds at the 22nd Cape Town International Jazz Festival. Image: Armand Hough / Independent Newspapers The future of jazz is dynamic, diverse, and genre-fluid. While jazz remains the foundation and heart, it invites experimentation and creation with R&B, Soul, House, Afrobeat, Hip-Hop, Spirituals, and more. From the power of Thandiswa Mazwai's voice to groundbreaking collaborations between Nduduzo Makathini and Black Coffee, to the resonance of Bongeziwe Mabandla, the CTIJF speaks to everyone. The CTIJF reminds us that jazz still does what it has always done best, bringing people together. It creates a space where the past and future sit side by side, listening, learning, and playing in harmony. This is why jazz matters, and why it continues to move generations, even as its sound transforms and evolves. Life is so good together. * Rayhaan Survé is the Deputy Chairman of Sekunjalo. ** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL or Independent Media.
IOL News
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Cape Town International Jazz Festival: Where Legacy Meets Tomorrow
The Cape Town International Jazz Festival bridges the past and future, celebrating the rich legacy of jazz as a powerful voice for freedom and unity, writes Sekunjalo Deputy Chairman Rayhaan Survé. Image: Independent Media Rayhaan Survé For some, jazz is a rhythm that unlocks joy. For others, it is the sound of resistance, a voice when words fail, a melody infused with pain and hope. For me, jazz is freedom. It is a global language that crosses borders, cultures, and time zones, one that speaks of unity, memory, and possibility. The legacy of jazz is inseparable from humanity's most defining struggles and triumphs. From its beginnings in New Orleans in the 20th century to its arrival and integration with Marabi in South Africa, jazz has always stood as both witness and participant in history. Viewed by the apartheid regime as subversive, jazz was heavily policed, censored, and pushed underground. Musicians and gatherings were targeted, yet the music endured, in townships and homes, becoming a symbol of unity and resistance. Lira delivered a powerful and emotional performance on the Kippies stage on the final night of the 22nd Cape Town International Jazz Festival. Image: Armand Hough / Independent Newspapers Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Icons like Hugh Masekela, Miriam Makeba, Abdullah Ibrahim, Caiphus Semenya, and Letta Mbulu carried the torch of liberation through their music that captured both the pain of oppression and the dream of a free South Africa. Globally, musicians such as Carlos Santana and Harry Belafonte also stood in solidarity with South Africa, proving that jazz and resistance knew no borders. The movement 'Artists Against Apartheid' united voices against racial injustice from South Africa to around the world including the United Kingdom and USA. The values that jazz represented through the 1900s: freedom of expression, unity, and creativity, are the very values that I hold dear and why we, as the Survé Family, continue to support The Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF).The festival has continued to bring together people of all ages, ethnicities and backgrounds to celebrate Jazz and what it means. It is the music of emotional honesty, of individuality within harmony. The crowd feeds off the energy brought by Masego, as the multi-instrumentalist moved around the Kippies stage at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival on Friday evening. Image: Armand Hough / Independent Newspapers We have played a key role in keeping jazz alive worldwide, with the festival ranked among the top four jazz festivals globally. Over the years, the festival has grown in scope and influence, attracting talent from overseas while nurturing local voices, and inviting collaborations that transcend genres. But more than its scale, it is the festival's soul that stands out, a soul rooted in inclusivity, heritage, and artistic freedom. Now in its 22nd edition, the CTIJF, known as Africa's grandest gathering, continues to honour its role as the largest jazz festival in Africa and one of the continent's most important cultural gatherings. This year's theme, 'Legacy Meets Tomorrow,' celebrated the festival's rich heritage and its evolving future. It showcased both legendary artists, like Masego and the emotional return of Lira to the stage, representing a bridge between the past and future, incorporating both the traditional and modern. Black Coffee and Nduduzo Makhathini closed their show strongly, elevating the spirit of CTIJF to new heights. Image: Armand Hough / Independent Newspapers Thousands of people from across the globe attended the CTIJF 2025 where top local and international artists took to the stage. Image: Armand Hough / Independent Newspapers Part concert, part ritual: Thandiswa Mazwai mesmerises the crowds at the 22nd Cape Town International Jazz Festival. Image: Armand Hough / Independent Newspapers The future of jazz is dynamic, diverse, and genre-fluid. While jazz remains the foundation and heart, it invites experimentation and creation with R&B, Soul, House, Afrobeat, Hip-Hop, Spirituals, and more. From the power of Thandiswa Mazwai's voice to groundbreaking collaborations between Nduduzo Makathini and Black Coffee, to the resonance of Bongeziwe Mabandla, the CTIJF speaks to everyone. The CTIJF reminds us that jazz still does what it has always done best, bringing people together. It creates a space where the past and future sit side by side, listening, learning, and playing in harmony. This is why jazz matters, and why it continues to move generations, even as its sound transforms and evolves. Life is so good together. * Rayhaan Survé is the Deputy Chairman of Sekunjalo. ** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL or Independent Media.
IOL News
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Lira's year of resilience: a melodic journey from stroke to spotlight
South African singer Lira celebrates a year of music after stroke recovery. Image: Instagram/miss_lira South African singer Lira left the audience visibly emotional at this year's Cape Town International Jazz Festival, delivering a powerful performance that reminded everyone of her strength. Watching her perform after everything she's been through, especially as someone in the crowd, was a moment that felt both intimate and unforgettable. In April 2022, Lira suffered a stroke while in Germany, which affected her speech and left her unable to communicate properly. It was a scary and uncertain time, and she stepped away from the spotlight to focus on her recovery. Her family later confirmed she was in good spirits but had lost her ability to speak. Yet somehow, even in the middle of her struggle to form words, singing came naturally to her. That part of her spirit, it seems, remained untouched. While she's still working on speaking fluently, music has continued to flow from her almost effortlessly. Lira recently reflected on social media about how far she's come. It's now been a full year since she returned to performing, with her first live show post-stroke taking place on May 12, 2024, during a Mother's Day celebration at the Nirox Foundation, where she shared the stage with Maleh and the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra. 'The first time I performed in a public space… It's a year since I've been singing post-stroke,' she wrote, sharing photos from that day. As Lira shared a message at CTIJF that stayed with many: 'Slow down in the moment. We rush through life. Missing life as it goes by. I can't do that anymore. I'm staying in the moment!' And with grace, she added, 'The stroke was a blessing to me. I learnt to love life joyfully and appreciate what life has to offer.' Lira's voice, quite literally, has become her way back. Fans are proud of Lira and are grateful for her recovery. @thobeka_fitnessmom commented, "Whenever I listen to the heart of a child, it takes me back to your journey. We thank God for your music and your recovery, sis . We love you ❤️." @pelemkha commented, "Amazing, my Queen, you're an inspiration !! 😍❤️🔥." @maleh_music also wrote, "God's Faithfulness😍❤️❤️You are exceptional ... it was epic. What an Honour!!"
