Celebrating Milestones at Back to the City Hip-Hop Festival

Back to the City Hip-Hop Festival Turns 17 Amidst Hip-Hop’s 50th Anniversary and South African Hip-Hop’s 40th Year

In a symphony of rhythm and culture, the Back to the City Hip-Hop Festival recently celebrated its 17th edition in Johannesburg, South Africa. This year held an extraordinary significance as it marked not one, but two remarkable milestones: the 50th anniversary of hip-hop worldwide and the 40th anniversary of South African hip-hop. The festival united hip-hop enthusiasts, artists, and culture aficionados from all corners of South Africa and beyond, creating an unforgettable experience that showcased the enduring power and influence of hip-hop.

A Journey Through Hip-Hop’s Rich History

Back to the City has always transcended being a mere music festival; it’s a voyage through the history and culture of hip-hop, paying homage to its roots while celebrating its evolution. Over the years, the festival has provided a platform for emerging talent while also featuring established artists who’ve made significant contributions to the hip-hop scene.

This year’s festival was a testament to the timeless impact of hip-hop, as it brought together artists representing various facets of the culture: rap, DJing, breakdancing, and graffiti art. Festival-goers were treated to electrifying performances, epic rap battles, gravity-defying dance moves, and awe-inspiring graffiti displays that embodied the essence of hip-hop.

International Icons and Legendary Albums

The festival’s 17th anniversary was further elevated by the presence of legendary international acts, including Mobb Deep, J-Live, and The Beatnuts, whose performances electrified the stage and reminded everyone of the global reach and unity that hip-hop fosters.

Amidst these iconic moments, the festival paid tribute to one of South Africa’s own hip-hop legends, Amu, and his iconic “Life, Rap, and Drama” album, celebrating its 20th anniversary. Amu brought legends like Zola, Mr. Selwyn, Wikid, Sugar Smacks, and Slikour to support him on stage, crafting an unforgettable moment of unity and nostalgia. Additionally, a brand-new Riky Rick mural added a visually striking element to the festival, illustrating the ever-evolving artistry within South Africa’s hip-hop culture.

Honoring South African Hip-Hop’s Legacy

South African hip-hop celebrated its 40th anniversary, adding another layer of significance to the festival. The grandmaster of South African hip-hop, DJ Ready D, graced the event, underscoring the festival’s commitment to honoring and preserving the legacy of the genre.

The festival was also graced by a lineup of iconic and emerging talent, including Stogie T, Last Days Firm, Optical Illusion, Thato Saul, Touchline, Loatinover Pounds, Priddy Ugly, A-Reece, and many more. These artists represented the rich tapestry of South African hip-hop, showcasing its diversity, evolution, and the promising future that lies ahead.

Converse: A Partner in Hip-Hop Culture

One of the festival’s highlights was the presence of Converse, a brand deeply rooted in hip-hop culture. Converse has a rich history of collaborating with artists and musicians, making it a perfect fit for an event like Back to the City. Converse not only was one of the main sponsors at the event but also contributed to the festival’s vibrant atmosphere by engaging with fans and artists alike.

Converse’s unwavering commitment to hip-hop culture was evident in its support of the festival and its ongoing dedication to the global hip-hop community. Their presence added an extra layer of authenticity to the event, reinforcing the brand’s connection to the culture it has long embraced.

“Converse has always had a special relationship with Back To The City, as the ethos of both brands are about theculture that has shaped hip hop lovers’ taste through music, fashion and sport through basketball. These partnerships are important as they present a platform for like-minded people to engage in a space that allows them to be themselves and collectively enjoy the space. Converse is thrilled to have been part of such a monumental moment in celebrating 50 years of hip hop.” said Converse SA Marketing Manager, Tebogo Motlhamme.

As we reflect on the success of Back to the City’s 17th edition and its alignment with hip-hop’s 50th anniversary, South African hip-hop’s 40th year, and the presence of luminaries like DJ Ready D, local legends, and the new school acts, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to brands for their role in making this event even more special. Their dedication to hip-hop culture is exemplified by their involvement in the festival.

Back to the City Hip-Hop Festival continues to be a testament to the power of hip-hop in bringing people together, inspiring creativity, and celebrating a culture that has left an indelible mark on the world. With each passing year, the festival grows stronger, reaffirming its position as a vital hub for hip-hop in South Africa., Africa, and the globe.