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DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20261010T120000
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SUMMARY:Back to the City Marks 20 Years of Hip-Hop
DESCRIPTION:Johannesburg is getting ready for a major hip-hop homecoming. \n\n\n\nOn Saturday\, 10 October 2026\, Back to the City International Festival returns to Mary Fitzgerald Square in Newtown for its 20th anniversary — bringing together artists and audiences across generations\, borders and eras of hip-hop culture. \n\n\n\nBut this year’s celebration isn’t simply about assembling a big-name line-up. It’s about looking at how far the culture has travelled while creating space for the people pushing it forward. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTwo Decades\, One City \n\n\n\nFor 20 years\, Back to the City has been part of Johannesburg’s hip-hop story\, providing a platform where established pioneers and emerging voices can occupy the same cultural space. \n\n\n\nThat history is reflected in the 2026 line-up. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFrom the United States\, critically acclaimed rapper Ab-Soul\, legendary Detroit collective Slum Village\, and the acclaimed duo Blu & Exile bring international perspectives to the festival. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTheir presence adds another layer to an event that has consistently connected South African hip-hop with the wider global culture. \n\n\n\nOn the local front\, the line-up stretches across generations. Cassper Nyovest\, Emtee\, Blxckie\, Stogie T\, Reason\, Tuks\, Touchline and Trompies are among the South African names taking the stage\, alongside a wider roster of artists. \n\n\n\nIt’s a line-up that recognises that South African hip-hop isn’t one sound or one generation. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFrom the Pioneers to What’s Next \n\n\n\nOne of Back to the City’s most interesting roles has always been its ability to put different chapters of the culture in the same room. \n\n\n\nThe 2026 edition continues that tradition by creating a meeting point between artists who helped establish the local movement and younger voices redefining what hip-hop can sound and look like today. \n\n\n\nFor Johannesburg’s young creative community\, that generational conversation matters. \n\n\n\nHip-hop has evolved from music into a wider cultural language — influencing fashion\, language\, visual identity\, dance\, entrepreneurship and the way young people document their realities. \n\n\n\nBack to the City is therefore also a snapshot of that evolution. \n\n\n\nJohannesburg Gets Its Moment \n\n\n\nThere’s an added layer to this year’s festival. \n\n\n\nBack to the City 2026 takes place during Johannesburg’s 140-year anniversary celebrations\, linking the festival’s 20-year history with the city’s much longer story of migration\, creativity\, resilience and urban identity. \n\n\n\nMary Fitzgerald Square in Newtown becomes the meeting point for those two timelines: 140 years of Johannesburg and 20 years of a festival built around hip-hop culture. \n\n\n\nThe result is less a retrospective and more a statement about continuation. \n\n\n\nBack to the City 2026 takes place on 10 October at Mary Fitzgerald Square\, Newtown\, Johannesburg. Tickets are available through Webtickets and Pick n Pay. \n\n\n\nThe question from the festival is fitting for its anniversary year: Are you in the City — or are you hearing about it after?
URL:https://urbanlifestylesa.co.za/event/back-to-the-city-marks-20-years-of-hip-hop/
LOCATION:Mary Fitzgerald Square\, 120 Lilian Ngoyi St\, Newtown\, Johannesburg\, Gauteng\, 2113\, South Africa
CATEGORIES:Music
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DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20251011T120000
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SUMMARY:Back to the City Festival 2025: Celebrating 19 Years of Hip-Hop Culture in Johannesburg
DESCRIPTION:Back to the City Festival 2025 Returns to Newtown \n\n\n\nThe Back to the City Festival 2025 is set to electrify Mary Fitzgerald Square in Newtown\, Johannesburg\, on 11 October\, marking its 19th edition as the ultimate celebration of hip-hop culture in South Africa. Kicking off at 12:00 PM\, the festival promises a high-energy experience with an impressive lineup of local and international artists\, DJs\, and performers showcasing the best in hip-hop music\, graffiti\, dance\, and street fashion. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis year’s festival will feature over 100 artists\, delivering unforgettable performances that embody the essence of hip-hop. Attendees can also explore 80 unique stalls\, offering everything from urban fashion and streetwear to art\, music\, and delicious food. Beyond the music\, festivalgoers can immerse themselves in various interactive activities\, including skateboarding showcases\, freestyle rap battles\, and live graffiti sessions. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTickets for Back to the City 2025 range from R200 to R30\,000\, catering to different experiences\, from general access to exclusive VIP hospitality. Whether you’re a dedicated hip-hop enthusiast or simply looking for an unforgettable cultural experience\, this festival is a must-attend event. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSecure your spot at South Africa’s biggest hip-hop festival and witness the vibrant energy of Back to the City Festival 2025—where hip-hop meets the heartbeat of Johannesburg!
URL:https://urbanlifestylesa.co.za/event/back-to-the-city-festival-2025-celebrating-19-years-of-hip-hop-culture-in-johannesburg/
LOCATION:Mary Fitzgerald Square\, 120 Lilian Ngoyi St\, Newtown\, Johannesburg\, Gauteng\, 2113\, South Africa
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DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20241129T120000
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SUMMARY:Maftown Heights 2024
DESCRIPTION:Maftown Heights\, one of South Africa‘s most anticipated hip-hop festivals\, is set to make a grand return on 29th November 2024 at Mary Fitzgerald Square in Newtown\, Johannesburg. Running from 2 PM to 2 AM\, the festival promises to be an unforgettable celebration of Motswako culture\, showcasing the evolution of this influential hip-hop movement through an explosive lineup of both iconic and rising stars. \n \nSince its inception\, Maftown Heights has been a defining platform for Motswako—a uniquely South African blend of hip-hop characterized by a fusion of English\, Setswana\, and vernacular influences. The festival has paid tribute to legendary figures like the late HHP\, AKA\, and Riky Rick\, who helped shape the genre. This year\, the event will embrace both the foundational sounds of The Motswako Republic and the future-forward energy of The NuTswako Nation. \n \nThe Motswako Republic stage will bring together revered pioneers\, featuring the likes of Cassper Nyovest\, Khuli Chana\, Mo Molemi\, Morafe\, Tuks\, Lection\, Hash One\, Notshi\, A1 RSA & Streetz\, Eze Lap\, and Fifi Cooper. These artists are sure to deliver a powerful\, nostalgia-infused experience\, reflecting the roots and legacy of Motswako. \n \nOn the flip side\, The NuTswako Nation lineup will highlight a new generation of artists who are carrying the torch forward. Expect dynamic performances from Maglera Doe Boy\, Boity & Roii\, Loatinover Pounds\, Mochen\, Thato Saul\, 25K\, Priddy Ugly\, Marcus Harvey\, and Stino Le Thwenny\, embodying the genre’s evolution and fresh perspectives. \n \n  \nAdding even more fire to the event\, the Friends of Motswako lineup features powerhouse artists like K.O.\, Emtee\, Nadia Nakai & Moozlie\, N’Veigh\, Blaklez\, Yanga Chief\, Sjava\, A-Reece\, Jay Jody\, Dee Koala\, Blxckie\, Qwellers\, Tony Dayimane\, Usimamane\, and Mashbeatz & Words. These acts will bring a mix of established and cutting-edge sounds that will resonate with both loyal fans and newcomers. \n \nThe DJ lineup is equally star-studded\, with sets from Major League DJz\, Lamiez Holworthy\, Speedsta\, Zan-D\, Venom\, Ms Cosmo\, Coco\, K-Zaka\, Fif Laaa\, BigBoy\, Slim\, and Ayanda MVP\, keeping the energy high from afternoon to the early hours of the morning. Attendees will also be introduced to fresh talent through the New Kids on The Block segment\, featuring Lia Butler & Wndrszn\, Buzzi Lee\, Kane Keid\, and the winner of the “Who Got Next” competition. \n \nGuiding the festival experience\, MCs Shamiso\, Collen Costa\, and Caddy & Stoan will keep the crowd hyped and engaged throughout the day. \n \nTickets for Maftown Heights 2024 are now available\, ranging from R150 to R1000. Don’t miss out on this spectacular fusion of Motswako past and present\, as the festival brings fans together to celebrate music\, culture\, and the unmatched energy of South African hip-hop. We do it “Hape le Hape” on 29th November 2024 at Mary Fitzgerald Square—secure your spot now and be part of this cultural legacy! \n 
URL:https://urbanlifestylesa.co.za/event/maftown-heights-2024/
LOCATION:Mary Fitzgerald Square\, 120 Lilian Ngoyi St\, Newtown\, Johannesburg\, Gauteng\, 2113\, South Africa
CATEGORIES:Music
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