The Lagos International Jazz Festival (LIJF) will this weekend host a powerful tribute in honour of late South African cultural icon, Rashid Lombard, whose legacy shaped African jazz and global cultural activism.

The Tribute Showcase Jam Session, presented by Inspiro Productions, will hold on Sunday, June 29, 2025, at LIVE Lounge, 15 Idejo Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, beginning at 5:00 PM. The event is free to the public.

Honouring a Giant of African Jazz

Rashid Lombard, a revered photojournalist, anti-apartheid activist, and founder of the renowned Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF), passed away on June 4, 2025, at the age of 74. Widely known as a chronicler of South Africa’s struggle and a champion of the arts, Lombard’s influence transcended borders.

His most enduring contribution remains the CTIJF, established in 2000 as a partnership with the Netherlands’ North Sea Jazz Festival. The event has grown into Africa’s largest jazz festival, drawing over 40,000 international visitors annually, and creating a vital platform for African and global jazz talents.

Global Tributes

Following his death, tributes have poured in from global leaders, musicians, and cultural institutions.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa described Lombard as:

“A cultural icon who not only documented our history of struggle but made history in his own right. His fearless documentation of apartheid’s cruelty and his creation of Africa’s biggest jazz festival placed South Africa on the global cultural map.”

Lagos Pays Homage

In Lagos, the jazz community—led by Ayoola Sadare, CEO of Inspiro Productions and convener of the Lagos International Jazz Festival—joins the international outpouring of love and remembrance.

“For African jazz, and for me personally, Rashid Lombard was more than a pioneer — he was my mentor, my friend, my father figure,” said Sadare. “He gave so much of himself to nurture others. His vision lit the path for my journey in cultural production. I owe this to him.”

Sadare, who first met Lombard in 2005 through journalist Nseobong Okon-Ekong, credits the late icon’s mentorship as the spark behind LIJF. “He taught me that you’re never too old to dream again. His impact on my life and work is immeasurable.”

A Night of Jazz, Joy, and Legacy

Sunday’s concert promises a dynamic evening of live music, featuring some of Nigeria’s finest jazz and soul performers, including Bright Gain, Victor Ademofe, Gloria Ibru, Wale Adeyemi, Herbert Kunle Ajayi (HKA), Agba Joshu, Jesse Bangz, Samuel Ayunke, Zosu, Mikifa, A Stringz, and more.

“This is not just a concert — it’s a cultural statement,” said Sadare. “Rashid’s light continues to shine through every note, every rhythm, and every young artist he inspired.”

Pan-African Solidarity in Song

Lombard believed deeply in jazz as a unifying force for Africa. The Lagos tribute reflects this spirit, bridging two cities — Lagos and Cape Town — in a shared celebration of creativity, resilience, and African excellence.

“Admission is free. The memories are priceless,” reads the official LIJF invitation. “Join us as we celebrate the life, music, and legacy of a true son of Africa — Rashid Lombard — forever in our hearts.”