Back to the City festival to ignite Jozi on Freedom Day

26 April 2016

 

It’s that time of the year when thousands of hip-hop enthusiasts from across the continent descend on Mary Fitzgerald Square in Johannesburg, to celebrate Freedom Day at “Back to the City” on 27 April.

 

This year’s theme is Family Reunion and the annual event marks a decade while commemorating South Africa’s hard earned democracy through Hip Hop’s various forms such as emceeing, dance, DJing, graffiti, beatboxing and skateboarding.

Event organiser Osmic Menoe says, “This is a family affair and we promise to bring you nothing but a thrilling festival that will create everlasting memories.”

Menoe says among other priorities, the event highlights and educates youth about the importance of Freedom Day and creates platforms for creatives to express their potential.

The exciting line-up of local and international acts includes Kwesta, Reason, HHP, Amu, Fifi Cooper, GiGi Lamayne, Elzhi, Skyzoo, Camp Lo, DJ Kenzhero, Major League DJs, Guru Logic, Trankei Republic and many more.

The City of Johannesburg spokesperson Nthatisi Modingoane affirmed the city’s support to the event, citing economic benefits and governance awareness.

“The city's objective is to engage young people on such platforms, where we would profile our youth empowerment programmes such as Vulindlel’ejozi among others and encourage young people to actively engage on these initiatives. It’s through events like “Back to the City” where we are able to reach and inform them about these interventions, while they are out enjoying themselves.”

Modingoane further called on creative young people to ‘come out of the box’ and present innovative ideas to the city.

“Through initiatives such as Hack Jozi, the city is willing to fund fresh ideas that are beneficial to the city and its residents,” he added.

On the day, the city will be running a survey to highlight and create awareness on the city’s youth programmes and governance initiatives. Revellers are urged to participate in the fun-filled survey and stand a chance to win great prices.