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Lagos’ jazz scene is set to pay a powerful tribute to one of Africa’s greatest cultural visionaries, late Rashid Lombard, in a special concert and jam session hosted by the Lagos International Jazz Festival (LIJF), presented by Inspiro Productions.

The free-admission concert will take place at LIVE Lounge, 15 Idejo Street, Off Adeola Odeku, Victoria Island, Lagos, starting from 5 PM.

A Life Devoted to Jazz, Culture, and Activism

Rashid Lombard, a renowned South African photographer, cultural activist, apartheid-era freedom fighter, and founder of the globally acclaimed Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF), passed away on June 4, 2025, at the age of 74.

Armed with his camera, Lombard chronicled South Africa’s turbulent struggle against apartheid, courageously documenting both the brutal realities of oppression and the indomitable spirit of marginalized communities.

His iconic photographs remain a powerful visual archive of South Africa’s journey to freedom.

Yet beyond photojournalism, his most enduring legacy was the creation of Africa’s Grandest Gathering — the Cape Town International Jazz Festival.

Founded in 2000 as a partnership with the North Sea Jazz Festival, CTIJF blossomed into one of the world’s largest and most prestigious jazz events, annually drawing nearly 40,000 attendees from around the globe.

Lombard’s vision provided a global stage for African musicians, fostered cultural exchange, launched careers, and empowered countless young artists through education, masterclasses, and outreach.

Global Tributes Pour In

Since his passing, tributes have poured in from across continents. Jazz artists, festival organizers, and political leaders have paid homage to his remarkable contributions.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa hailed him as:

“A cultural icon who not only documented our history of struggle but made history in his own right.

Rashid’s fearless depiction of apartheid’s inhumanity, coupled with his entrepreneurial brilliance in founding the Cape Town Jazz Festival, placed South Africa firmly on the global jazz map.”

“He achieved a remarkable feat with his love for the diversity and vibrancy of our nation. We reflect on his life with gratitude and joy, for the liberation and cultural legacy he leaves behind.”

Lagos: A Special Bond

Now, the Lagos jazz community—led by Ayoola Sadare (aka Shaddie Bobo), CEO of Inspiro Productions and organizer of the Lagos International Jazz Festival—joins the international celebration of Lombard’s extraordinary life.

For Sadare, this tribute is deeply personal. Reflecting on his mentor’s passing, he shared: “The jazz world — especially jazz in Africa — has lost a giant. My boss, mentor, friend, father… Mr. Rashid Lombard. For a man of his stature, he was truly GREAT. TOO GREAT. They don’t make them like him anymore.”

“This year, 2025, marks 20 years since I first met him at his festival in Cape Town, introduced by veteran journalist Nseobong Okon-Ekong, who had before then been a guest at his festival.

His vision became the spark and model for what I do today. Rashid had big dreams, and he pursued them fearlessly.

From him, I learned that one is never too old to dream again, to set new goals. He took a personal interest in my work, mentoring and guiding me.

I know he loved me deeply, and I loved him too. His daughter and close confidant till the very end, Yana Lomabrd Williams, told me so too. Rest in peace, Boss.”

The Tribute Jam Session: A Night of Music and Memories. Lombard’s relationship with Lagos and Nigeria’s jazz community was built through this mentorship.

On Sunday, June 29, Lagos will celebrate his life the way he would have wanted: with vibrant live music, warm memories, and shared unity.

“This is more than a tribute jam session,” says Sadare. “It’s a statement that his light shines on across Africa and the world.”

The evening’s powerful lineup features a stellar array of Nigerian musical heavyweights, including Bright Gain, Wale Adeyemi, Victor Ademofe, Gloria Ibru, Herbert Kunle Ajayi (HKA), Agba Joshu, Kue Bounce, Elfreda Nana, Samuel Ayunke, Jesse Bangz, A Stringz, Zosu, Michael Gbenga, Mikifa, and many more spectacular performers.

”Admission is free. The memories are priceless,” reads the official announcement. “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.”

Two Continents. One Spirit.
Lombard’s vision extended far beyond music; he saw jazz as a global language capable of uniting people, cultures, and generations.

This Lagos tribute embodies that vision — a living testament to pan-African solidarity and the enduring power of music to heal, connect, and inspire.