Back to the City, Africa’s biggest hip-hop and urban culture festival, returns on Saturday, 11 October 2025, to Mary Fitzgerald Square, Newtown, Johannesburg

Now in its 19th year, the festival celebrates the theme “Power in Numbers”, uniting generations of hip-hop lovers, artists, and cultural pioneers.

Back to the City 2025 promises its biggest line-up yet — bringing together over 100 performers, 20 DJs, 40 graffiti artists, 8 producers, MC and DJ battles, skate culture, basketball showdowns, fashion activations, and more.

The Line-UpThis year’s festival will be headlined by international hip-hop heavyweight Lupe Fiasco, alongside South Africa’s biggest names including Cassper Nyovest, A-Reece, Big Zulu, Emtee, Maglera Doe Boy, Touchline, Wordz & MashBeatz, and Kwesta. Paying tribute to heritage and culture, legends like Mdu Masilela and Tuks Senganga will also grace the stage.

More Than MusicBeyond performances, Back to the City remains a cultural gathering. Expect graffiti showcases, skate parks, fashion stalls, food zones, basketball games, and exclusive brand activations. It’s not just a festival — it’s a movement that celebrates hip-hop in all its forms.

Tickets: Ticket Link (https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/Performance.aspx?itemid=1564423908&smartshopper=)Tickets are available now via Webtickets and the official Back to the City website.

•General Admission: R450

•Loyalist Package (includes exclusive merch): R800

•Standing on Bihness Package: R1900

•VIP experiences and table bookings also available.

Founder’s Statement“Back to the City has always been about community, culture, and creativity. For 19 years, we’ve built a space

where hip-hop thrives, and 2025 is going to be our most powerful edition yet,” says festival founder Osmic Menoe (Ace of Spades).

Event Details

•Date: Saturday, 11 October 2025

•Venue: Mary Fitzgerald Square, Newtown, Johannesburg

•Theme: Power in Numbers

•Tickets: Available via Webtickets & www.backtothecityfestival.com (https://www.backtothecityfestival.com/)  (https://www.backtothecityfestival.com/tickets.html)