SUNDAY June 29, the soul and spirit of the late Jazz aficionado and photographer, Rashid Lombard, will be summoned to the Lagos culture circuit – for final celebration.
The promoters of the history-making Lagos International Jazz Festival (LIJF), Inspiro Productions have announced plan to stage a ‘Special Showcase Tribute Concert/Jam Session in his honour.
The announcement says in part that the showcase will honour “the Life & Legacy of the Amiable and Indefatigable MR. RASHID LOMBARD (1951-2025) — Legendary Photographer, Cultural Activist & Founder/Former Festival Director of “Africa’s Grandest Gathering”
🎶 The Cape Town International Jazz Festival – CapeTown, South Africa 🎶.
The free-gate event will hold from 5pm at the LIVE Lounge, Idejo Street, Off Adeola Odeku Street, Victoria Island, Lagos. The LIJF Showcase Is an Inspiro Production supported by Smooth 98.1FM.
States the announcement, which also serves as an invitation: “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 ❤️🎶”
RASHID Lombard, a renowned south African culture promoter, and apartheid era activist, died on Wednesday, June 4 at age 74, and since then the entire Jazz world across continents have been paying tribute to him as many of them had benefitted from his consistent promotion and participation in their act. The south African culture and political communities have also been paying tribute to him, with President Ramaphosa describing him, thusly:
“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.
“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.”
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IN an earlier tribute, Ayoola Sadare, head of Inspiro Production, wrote:
“The Jazz world and especially Jazz in Africa lost a great and iconic figure yesterday… My boss, mentor, friend, father and so much more, Mr. Rashid Lombard, Founder and former Festival Director of Africa’s Grandest Gathering, the Cape Town International Jazz Festival South Africa.
“When the news came, I was in a meeting and had to suppress it. I’ve tried to numb the pain… but I just can’t. His impact💥 😏
“This year marks 20 years since I first met Mr. Lombard. And honestly, for a man of his stature and standing, he was truly GREAT. TOO TOO GREAT! They really don’t make them like him anymore!💥
“After Cape Town Jazz Fest and LIJF, we had plans… but now…😢
“He had been off the radar lately. I couldn’t reach him for awhile. No phone access. I kept sending his beloved daughter & my friend Yana, messages for him Xmas, New Year, his birthday… all of it.
When I reached out to her after hearing the news, her words broke me: “I’m sorry Ayoola… he loved you very much.” 😢💔
“Boss.I love you too 💖 Rest in Peace Rashid🙏🏽😢”