The Hennessy Back to the City Festival returned to Newtown, Johannesburg on Saturday, October 7, 2023, for its 17th annual event, delivering a powerful and unforgettable celebration of hip-hop culture. With a special nod to the global 50th anniversary of hip-hop, the festival drew a massive crowd of over 20,000 fans to
Mary Fitzgerald Square for a spectacular showcase of music, art, and urban culture.
This year’s festival brought together a diverse and dynamic line-up of both emerging and legendary South African hip-hop artists, as well as international acts. Attendees were treated to electrifying performances that paid homage to the genre’s past while celebrating its vibrant future.
Event Highlights Included:
- Star-Studded Line-up: Performances from South African titans like Big Zulu, A-Reece, Nadia Nakai, and Kwesta had the crowds roaring, alongside sets from international legends like Mobb Deep’s Havoc and Big Noyd.
- Tribute to Icons: Moving tributes were paid to recently deceased South African rappers Ricky Rick and AKA, whose portraits were featured in stunning graffiti murals under the M1 Highway bridge.
- Cultural Showcase: The festival was a full-scale cultural takeover, featuring a diverse array of hip-hop elements, including:
- Dynamic graffiti art from 40 artists.
- Thrilling MC and producer battles.
- A vibrant street fashion hub with 100 clothing stalls.
- Dozens of food vendors and activation zones.
- Engaging workshops at the Hip Hop Summit focused on empowering young artists with practical knowledge on careers, entrepreneurship, and brand growth.
- Community and Connection: The festival once again cemented its status as more than just a music event, but a unifying force for the hip-hop community. It successfully brought together old-school fans and the new generation, creating a powerful intergenerational space for shared celebration and expression.
Osmic Menoe, founder of Back to the City and Ritual Media Group Director, commented on the event’s success. “The 2023 festival was a true milestone for South African hip-hop. Celebrating 50 years of the culture felt right, and the energy from the thousands who attended was incredible. We were able to honour the pioneers who built the foundation while giving a platform to the new voices pushing the genre forward. It was a beautiful moment of unity.”
The success of Back to the City 2023 reaffirms its position as Africa’s largest and most important celebration of hip-hop culture, paving the way for future generations of artists and fans.
About Back to the City Festival
Founded in 2007, the Back to the City Festival is Africa’s largest annual hip-hop festival. It is a premier urban youth event that showcases the best in live music, street art, break-dancing, art installation, skateboarding, and street fashion. The festival is dedicated to promoting and celebrating the rich history and vibrant future of hip-hop culture in South Africa and beyond