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IOL News
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Rashid Lombard: A cultural icon of South Africa
Liya Williams, granddaughter of jazz impresario and well-known photographer Rashid Lombard, rests her head on his body before his burial according to Muslim rites. Image: Ian Landsberg / Independent Media Family, friends, musicians, and political figures gathered at the Cape Town home of the late jazz organiser, photographer, and activist Rashid Lombard on Thursday to celebrate his remarkable life and enduring legacy. The 74-year-old, whose name became synonymous with South African jazz and cultural resistance, passed away on June 4. His funeral drew mourners from across the country and beyond, including celebrated musicians, community leaders, fellow activists, and ordinary Capetonians who had been touched by his work. Attendees shared stories, music, and laughter in tribute to a man many described as a visionary, a comrade, and a cultural custodian. Shadley Lombard, Lombard's son, said the outpouring of love and support was overwhelming but deeply comforting. 'He was more of a father and mentor to other people than to his children,' Shadley said. 'And we're okay with that, because what he did inspired people, motivated young people. That was his calling, and we fully understand that. When you look at the turnout and the support from across the world, even from the president of South Africa, it speaks volumes.' President Cyril Ramaphosa described Lombard as 'a cultural icon' who helped position South Africa on the global cultural stage. 'Rashid Lombard's fearless depiction of apartheid's endemic inhumanity and violence, and his compassionate focus on the lives of oppressed communities, is a powerful record of our struggle for basic human rights,' said the president in a statement. 'His establishment of the Cape Town Jazz Festival bolstered South Africa's integration into global culture. He did all this with passion and humility that endeared him to everyone he touched.' Father Michael Weeder, a long-time friend, spoke warmly of Lombard's authenticity and passion. 'There was nothing superficial about the way he was present, in person or online,' he said. 'Over time, he became a friend. We had comrades in common. And when we say 'comrade', we don't mean it in the casual way people do today. Back then, a comrade was someone you trusted with your life. We trusted Rashid.' Weeder also recalled Lombard's artistic soul and love of jazz. 'With time, he brought his love for the arts to fruition, bringing jazz to stages across Cape Town, especially the Cape Town International Jazz Festival,' he said. 'He came from a small town. It wasn't about connections, it was about conviction, about communicating from the heart. That's what made him so special.' Among those who benefitted directly from Lombard's vision was entertainer Alistair Izobell, who described the late cultural organiser as one of the most inspiring people he'd ever met. 'His message to us was always the same: dream. Because those dreams can move you beyond your limitations,' said Izobell. 'As I stand and look at Table Mountain today, I know some of the soil has passed. But the gift of his work remains, and I will celebrate that for the rest of my life.' Mujahid George, actor and broadcaster, said he owed his introduction to the world of jazz to Lombard. 'He's the one who introduced me to a legend like George Benson, when he brought him to the Cape Town Jazz Festival,' said George. 'He was a very special person to me, and I wouldn't have missed his farewell for anything. He deserved every ounce of the love we saw today.' Lombard was born in North End, Gqeberha, in 1951 and moved to Cape Town as a young boy. Trained as an architectural draughtsman, he turned to photography in the 1970s, becoming one of South Africa's most respected news and documentary photographers. He documented key moments in the anti-apartheid struggle before turning his attention to cultural activism, particularly jazz. In the early 2000s, he founded the Cape Town International Jazz Festival, an event that would go on to become one of the largest and most respected music gatherings in the southern hemisphere. Through it, he not only brought global stars to local stages but also championed South African musicians and uplifted communities through developmental programmes. Faiez Jacobs, former ANC MP, reflected on Lombard's dual commitment to art and politics. 'He was one of us — an activist, a cultural warrior, and a storyteller,' said Jacobs. 'He documented our Struggle, preserved our joy, and gave future generations access to their heritage. Rashid archived more than 500,000 photographs of our people and donated them to the University of the Western Cape. That's an extraordinary legacy.' Even in his final years, Lombard remained a beloved figure across generational and cultural lines. His ability to connect with people, both on and off stage, left a lasting impression on those who crossed his path. 'Rashid was a man of the people, in every sense of the word,' said Father Weeder. 'I recently saw a video of him dancing, improvising with two women, full of joy. That spontaneity, that love for people in all our diversity, that was at the heart of his life. He was, in his way, Muslim, Christian, Hindu, a friend to all. A true child of God.'
Eyewitness News
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Eyewitness News
Tributes continue to pour in for renowned photographer and jazz promoter Rashid Lombard
CAPE TOWN - More tributes continue to pour in for Cape Town International Jazz Festival founder, Rashid Lombard, who passed away on Wednesday. He's been described as an icon and a giant of jazz, and someone who loved people. During the 80s and 90s, he worked as a photographer documenting the country's most historic moments. Lombard's former colleague and friend, Craig Parks, said Lombard had a major influence on his radio and business careers. "Today the Cape Town Jazzathon still runs, still exists, and we honour Mr Lombard every time we think of him, or we discuss the festival, his name has to come up because he was the guy that said you guys can do it." Industry colleague, Martin Myers, described Lombard as a consummate professional. "One of the nicest people you would ever meet. In his company, it was always fun. He loved music, he loved life, and he always had his camera with him, and he'd take the most spectacular photograph when no one was looking." Lombard will be laid to rest on Thursday in accordance with Islamic rites.
The Citizen
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Ramaphosa mourns passing of photographer Rashid Lombard
Lombard documented pivotal moments in the country struggle for freedom, including the release of late former president Nelson Mandela in 1990. President Cyril Ramaphosa has described renowned South African photographer and jazz promoter Rashid Lombard as a cultural icon who not only documented South Africa's history of struggle for freedom but also made history in his own right. The president expressed his deep sadness at the passing of Lombard, who passed away at the age of 74. Lombard was an esteemed member of the National Order of Ikhamanga (Silver), which he received in 2014 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. 'Fearless' Ramaphosa offered his heartfelt condolences to the Lombard family and his wide network of friends, comrades, and creatives, both nationally and internationally. '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. ALSO READ: Ramaphosa pays tribute to anti-apartheid activist and writer Breyten Breytenbach '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 prestigious event to the development of historically disadvantaged communities,' Ramaphosa said. 'Diversity and vibrancy' Ramaphosa added that Lombard 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'. Lombard was born in Port Elizabeth in 1951 and moved to Cape Town in 1962. He documented pivotal moments in the country's struggle for freedom, including the release of the late former president Nelson Mandela in 1990 and the country's first democratic elections in 1994. Career He has been the organiser behind the positioning of South Africa through the arts in the North Sea Jazz Festival, Cape Town, now known as the Cape Town International Jazz Festival), and was the Festival Director of the Cape Town International Jazz Festival. Originally qualified as an architectural draughtsman, Lombard transitioned into industrial photography, later becoming a renowned news and documentary photographer, as well as a photographic artist. He built on his creative media career by becoming an influential jazz promoter and founder of the then Cape Town edition of the North Sea Jazz Festival. ALSO READ: Radio legend Darren Scott dies at 61 after battling cancer
IOL News
6 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
Zawya
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Zawya
President Ramaphosa mourns passing of cultural activist and creative visionary Rashid Lombard
President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his deep sadness at the passing of renowned photographer, cultural activist and jazz organiser Rashid Lombard, who has passed away at the age of 74. Mr Lombard was an Esteemed Member of the National Order of Ikhamanga (Silver), which he received in 2014 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. President Ramaphosa offers his deep condolences to the Lombard family and Mr Lombard's extensive network of friends, comrades and creatives nationally and internationally. Mr Lombard has been the organiser behind the positioning of South Africa through the arts in the North Sea Jazz Festival, Cape Town, now known as the Cape Town International Jazz Festival), and was the Festival Director of the Cape Town International Jazz Festival. Mr Lombard was born in North End, Gqeberha, and moved to Cape Town in 1962. Originally qualified as an architectural draughtsman, Rashid Lombard became an industrial photographer and later a renowned news and documentary photographer, and photographic artist. He built on his creative media career by becoming an influential jazz promoter and founder of the then Cape Town edition of the North Sea Jazz Festival. President Ramaphosa said: 'We have 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.' Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.
