Johannesburg’s Mary Fitzgerald Square in Newtown hosted Back to the City 2026 on 10 October, as the festival marked 20 years of hip-hop, music and street culture.
Held under the theme “Against All Odds”, the festival featured nearly 100 artists, 30 DJs and 40 graffiti pioneers.
Hennessy returned as title sponsor for the fifth consecutive year, while the City of Johannesburg supported the annivesary edition through its Arts Alive programme, as part of its backing for the city’s arts and cultural scene.
Cassper Nyovest performs through the rain at Back to the City 2026
Rain fell over the venue, but the crowd remained for the performances.
One of the evening’s notable sets came from Cassper Nyovest, whose performance drew loud responses from fans singing along despite the weather.
The response continued online, where Cassper, known as Mufasa, thanked the audience on X: “Yo, BACK TO THE CITY was FIRE!!!! That crowd showed me live FR!!! THANK YOU SA HIP HOP!!!”
Hennessy marks five years as the title sponsor
“Back to the City holds a special place for Hennessy because our relationship with the festival has grown alongside the culture itself,” said Lungile Mpharu, Brand Manager at Hennessy South Africa.
“Celebrating five years with Back to the City, in the same year the festival turns 20, is a powerful milestone.”
With Hennessy returning as title sponsor, Blxckie, Stogie T and Big Zulu also returned after appearing at previous editions.
The brand hosted an interactive Public Viewing Area and a VIP Deck attended by cultural figures including Yanga Chief, Scoop Makhathini and DJ Doowap.
International acts Ab-Soul, Slum Village and Blu & Exile featured alongside South African artists, reflecting the festival’s mix of local and international hip-hop.
Back to the City 2026 Highlights Hip-Hop Fashion and Emerging Artists
Fashion remained part of the festival’s identity, with streetwear and tailored looks among the styles on display across the venue.
The emphasis on personal style has featured in previous editions, including the 2023 Back to the City street-style showcase.
Emerging artists also featured on the programme. Rush Awa x LaCabra = Lapisa performed their collaborative showcase, while Blxckie and Just Sam drew audience participation with “Fairlight.”
The 20th-anniversary edition brought established performers and newer acts together in Newtown, marking two decades of Back to the City as part of South Africa’s hip-hop and street-culture scene.
