Renowned photographer and jazz promoter Rashid Lombard dies at 74

CAPE TOWN - Renowned South African photographer and jazz promoter Rashid Lombard has passed away at the age of 74. 

Born in Port Elizabeth in 1951, Lombard went on to document pivotal moments in South Africa’s journey to freedom, including the release of Nelson Mandela in 1990 and the country’s first democratic elections in 1994.

He also founded an events management company in 1997 that gave birth to the iconic Cape Town International Jazz Festival in 2000.

Former colleague and friend, Jimmi Matthews, says Lombard was more than a jazz musician and photographer.

"I will always remember Rashid, yes for the music and yes for the media work we did together, but mostly because he was such a kind human, a friend, and I think we're going to miss him."