Industry mourns passing of Rashid Lombard, legendary photographer and jazz promoter

As South Africa mourns the passing of Rashid Lombard at the age of 74, the immense impact he had on both the photographic and jazz communities is being celebrated.

Tributes from across the industry highlight his multifaceted contributions as a photojournalist, jazz promoter and cultural icon who shaped the nation’s artistic landscape.

Lombard’s legacy is especially marked by his role as the visionary founder of the then NOrth Sea Jazz Fetsival and now Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF), which has become a staple of the South African cultural calendar since its inception in 2000.

His passion for jazz not only brought global attention to Cape Town but also fostered inclusivity and economic growth in the region.

Patricia de Lille, from The GOOD Party, expressed her sincere condolences, stating, "Rashid Lombard left an indelible mark on South Africa’s cultural landscape. As the visionary behind the Cape Town International Jazz Festival, he brought global attention to Cape Town while ensuring that the event remained rooted in principles of inclusivity, access, and development."

Reflecting on their collaboration, she noted that “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.”

She further emphasised the festival's significant economic impact, stating that it “delivered a major economic boost to the city and the Western Cape,” creating jobs and inspiring hope among the youth.

Lombard’s exceptional photographic work documented transformative moments in South Africa’s struggle for freedom, including Nelson Mandela's release in 1990 and the historic elections of 1994.

His vast archive, consisting of over 500,000 film negatives, video, and audio recordings, has been preserved at the University of the Western Cape, serving as a vital repository of the nation’s history and cultural identity.

Broadcaster and journalist Redi Tlhabi reminisced about Lombard with warmth, stating, “I could write a book about your beautiful friendship. Your presence and gentle care. Rashid Lombard, photographer extraordinaire, an unmatched storyteller, jazz lover, creative thinker! Sleep easy, my friend.”

Sports broadcaster Nick Feinberg highlighted Lombard's vibrant spirit, saying, “We lose a remarkable man, artist, activist, jazzman, family friend, full of love, life, and madness! RIP Rashid Lombard scoo-bop-bee-dooing into the sunset.”

Arts editor and journalist Charl Blignaut added to the chorus of affection, noting, “Photographer and jazz promoter Rashid Lombard was a force of nature, documenter, archivist, ally - always ready to get out and support artists, in love with his family, fiercely outspoken. And he always had the tea. Rest in power #RashidLombard.”

Lombard 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 today (Thursday) at 11:30am, at the family home.