Rashid Lombard, the visionary founder of the Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF) and a celebrated photographer, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 74, Cape {town} Etc reports.
A pivotal figure in South Africa’s cultural landscape, Lombard leaves behind a legacy that resonates deeply within the realms of music, photography, and social justice.
Born on 10 April 1951 in North End, Gqeberha, Lombard moved with his family to Cape Town in 1962. He was trained as both an architectural draftsman and an industrial photographer, launching his career with the construction giant Murray & Roberts.
Rashid married his lifelong partner, Colleen Rayson, in 1970, and the couple welcomed three children: Chevan, Shadley, and Yana.
Lombard’s early life in the Eastern Cape, amid a diverse community, was starkly transformed by the brutal apartheid regime, which tore him away from friends and reshaped his perspective on racial injustices. His aspiration for social change found its footing during the Black Consciousness Movement (BCM), which influenced his later work.
Transitioning into freelance photography and sound recording during the turbulent anti-apartheid era, Lombard used his lens to document significant moments in South Africa’s history. From the fervour of protests to the joyful atmosphere surrounding Nelson Mandela’s release in 1990, his photographs captured the nation’s struggle and resilience, garnering attention from notable international news outlets such as Agence France-Presse, the BBC, and NBC.
With the dawn of democracy in 1994, Lombard embraced his passion for jazz, culminating in the creation of the CTIJF. According to Patricia de Lille, Minister of Tourism, Lombard’s contributions transcended mere music; he ‘brought global attention to Cape Town while ensuring that the event remained rooted in principles of inclusivity, access, and development.’
‘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,’ de Lille reflected, highlighting the economic impact of the festival on local tourism and employment.
Rashid Lombard’s commitment to community, culture, and the arts has paved the way for future generations, inspiring youth and artists alike.
His burial will be held according to Muslim rites, marking the conclusion of a remarkable journey dedicated to capturing and celebrating the richness of South African life.
He is survived by his partner Colleen, his sister Fazoe Sydow, his children Chevan, Shadley, Yana, Zach, and Daniel, as well as his grandchildren Liya, Aydin-Malik, Oliver, AmirUccio, and Stella Ahed.
The family is also mourning the loss of his beloved granddaughter, Hannah, who passed away in 2002.
