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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
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Honouring Rashid Lombard: The South African photographer who shaped the jazz scene
Rashid Lombard passed away on Wednesday at the age of 74. Image: Brenton Geach/Independent Newspapers Sekunjalo Group and espAfrika extended their condolences on the passing of Rashid Lombard, an acclaimed photographer, cultural activist, and jazz promoter. Lombard passed away on Wednesday at the age of 74, surrounded by his loved ones. Sekunjalo Group and espAfrika said Lombard's passing is a profound loss to South Africa and the global arts community because his work 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 Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CPIJF), now ranked among the four largest jazz festivals in the world," the organisations said in a statement. In 1997, Lombard founded espAfrika, which orchestrated one of his most notable accomplishments: the CPIJF. Launched in 2000, he directed the festival until his retirement in 2014, leaving a profound influence on South Africa's jazz scene and its global recognition. After stepping away from the festival, he dedicated time to digitising his extensive archives, a task previously overseen by his wife, Colleen. Partnering with the National Archives and the Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture (DSAC), he aimed to make his vast collection publicly accessible as a national heritage resource. "As we pay tribute to his life and legacy, we extend our deepest sympathies to his beloved wife Colleen, his sister Fazoe Sydow, his children Chevan, Shadley, Yana, Zach, and Daniel, and his cherished grandchildren Liya, Aydin-Malik, Oliver, AmirUccio, and Stella Ahed," read the statement. Born on 10 April 1951 in North End, Gqeberha, Lombard's family moved to Cape Town in 1962. Initially trained as an architectural draftsman and later as an industrial photographer, he began his career at the construction giant Murray & Roberts. 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 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. Next Stay Close ✕ During the tumultuous years of the anti-apartheid struggle, Lombard worked as a freelance photographer and television sound recordist, capturing moments of unrest, resilience, and hope for international media including Agence France-Presse, the BBC, and NBC. His work immortalised pivotal events in South Africa's transition to democracy, from the rise of the democratic movement in the 1980s to Nelson Mandela's historic release in 1990 and the first democratic elections in 1994. With the dawn of democracy came Rashid's opportunity to fully embrace another of his great passions: jazz. He served as the station manager at Fine Music Radio and later as the programming manager at P4 Smooth Jazz Radio Image: Phando Jikelo
IOL News
6 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. 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 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. 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.
News24
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- News24
Legendary photographer and jazz visionary Rashid Lombard dies at 74
Photographer, activist, and jazz promoter Rashid Lombard has died at age 74. He received numerous awards for his photography and contributions to music and tourism, including the Order of Ikhamanga in Silver in 2014. He founded espAfrika in 1997, which owns and manages the Cape Town International Jazz Festival, launched in 2000. Renowned photographer, activist, and jazz promoter Rashid Lombard died on Wednesday, surrounded by his loved ones. He was 74. According to photographer and family spokesperson Benny Gool, he died of 'natural causes.' Lombard received numerous awards for his photography and contributions to music and tourism, including the Order of Ikhamanga in Silver in 2014. As a photographer, Lombard captured historical moments such as '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,' according to a press release from Gool. He founded espAfrika in 1997, which owns and manages the Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF), launched in 2000. Lombard directed the festival until 2014. He was born on 10 April 1951 in North End, Gqeberha and moved with his family to Cape Town in 1962. He initially trained as an architectural draftsman and then an industrial photographer, later working with Murray & Roberts. Lombard married Colleen Rayson in 1970, and the couple welcomed a family. Lombard's 'political consciousness was later amplified through the influence of the Black Consciousness Movement,' according to the press release. He would go on to work as a freelance photographer and television sound recordist. 'His lens captured the unrest and hope of a nation in transition for international media outlets including Agence France-Presse, the BBC, and NBC,' says the press release. 'In 1986, legendary exiled photographer Ernest Cole, who had not held a camera for over a decade, borrowed Rashid's and turned the lens on him - a gesture of deep respect and recognition.' Jazz was another great passion of his. He served as Fine Music Radio's station manager and became the programming manager at P4 Smooth Jazz Radio. After stepping away from the CTIJF, Lombard focused on digitising his archives, which his wife had previously managed. '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,' reads the press release. His daughter will now continue the archival work after his death. Lombard also published the photography book Jazz Rocks in 2010, edited by George Hallett, which contained his images. Lombard is survived by his wife, Colleen Lombard; his sister, Fazoe Sydow; his children, Chevan, Shadley, Yana, Zach, and Daniel; and his grandchildren, Liya, Aydin-Malik, Oliver, Amir Uccio, and Stella Ahed.
IOL News
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Survé Family at the heart of Africa's Grandest Gathering - next festival set for March 2026
Thousands of people from across the globe attended the CTIJF 2025 where top local and international artists took to the stage. The rhythm may have faded and the lights dimmed on this past weekend's Cape Town International Jazz Festival, but the energy is still pulsing through the city. With over 24,000 people in attendance, the Mother City was alive with music, connection, and culture - an unforgettable experience that left fans, artists, and industry leaders breathless. And just as the city starts to return to its usual tempo, espAfrika, the powerhouse organisers behind the festival, have dropped another beat: next year's festival will take place on March 27 and 28, 2026. Diarise it now because if this year was anything to go by, next year promises to be even more off a festival of this magnitude was no small feat. It took grit, grace, and sheer determination - and the exceptional team of women behind the scenes delivered with brilliance. 'This year's festival was a labour of love, a celebration of resilience and a return to what we know Cape Town does best - host the world with style, sound and soul,' said Shaakirah Adams, the head of the Cape Town International Jazz Festival. 'The response has been overwhelming - from sold-out shows to the electric social media buzz. We are proud, we are grateful, and we are already planning how to make next year even more unforgettable. 'The response has been nothing short of phenomenal: glowing reviews, wall-to-wall crowds, and social feeds exploding with praise. But none of it would be possible without the unwavering support of our partners, sponsors, and most importantly, the vision and backing of the Survé owners of the festival, the Survé family - and in particular, Rayhaan Survé, who played a critical oversight role - have been deeply involved in both planning and execution. Their commitment to the arts is not just symbolic; it's part of a far-reaching philanthropic mission that stretches across the African continent.
