Basha Uhuru Freedom Festival returns to mark youth month in Joburg

This year’s festival is themed Commemorating 50 Years of Youth Activism and Creative Freedom, reflecting on the legacy of young people who participated in South Africa’s struggle for freedom, including those involved in the 1976 Soweto Uprising.

The four-day event combines music, arts, dialogue, business development and cultural activities. Organisers say the programme has been designed to engage young people throughout Youth Month through a series of educational and creative initiatives.

The festival’s Creative Conference will open proceedings on 24 June, offering discussions, masterclasses and workshops aimed at supporting skills development and knowledge-sharing within the creative sector. The conference will be followed by the Sounds of Freedom Concert and a one-day music festival at Constitution Hill’s People’s Park.

Festival-goers will also have access to a Creative Youth Expo, a curated market showcasing local fashion and creative products, museum exhibitions and heritage-focused activities.

Speaking ahead of the event, Gauteng MEC for Economic Development, Agriculture and Rural Development, Vuyiswa Ramakgopa said the festival continues to provide opportunities for young people to develop their talents and participate in the creative economy.

“Basha Uhuru is more than a festival, it is a celebration of the power, resilience and imagination of South Africa's youth. We are thrilled to see thousands of young people gather at Constitution Hill to commemorate 50 years of youth activism and creative freedom through music, art, film, entrepreneurship and dialogue.”

She added that events such as Basha Uhuru create platforms for young people to express themselves while contributing to Gauteng’s growing creative industries.

Music line-up announced

The festival’s music programme will feature performances by established and emerging South African artists. Organisers have confirmed appearances by Nasty C, Zee Nxumalo, DJ Tira, Bucie, DJ Cleo and Skwatta Kamp, alongside several emerging performers.

The festival will also continue its Basha Uhuru Legacy Award, which recognises South African artists whose work has contributed to creative freedom and cultural heritage. Previous recipients have included Mandla “Spikiri” Mofokeng, Thebe and Alaska, while the 2025 award was presented to Boom Shaka.

In addition, organisers will unveil a mural honouring the late creative entrepreneur and publicist Maria McCloy. The artwork, created by artist Lazi Mathebula, will be installed on Constitution Hill’s public mural wall along Joubert Street, adjacent to a mural dedicated to Hugh Masekela.

Tourism and economic impact

The festival has also attracted support from tourism and economic development stakeholders. Belu Mabandla, executive head of destination marketing and events at Joburg Tourism Company, said the partnership aligns with efforts to promote Johannesburg through culture and heritage.

“As we commemorate 50 years since the 1976 Soweto Uprising, we are equally focused on the future, supporting youth-led innovation, strengthening SMMEs and showcasing Johannesburg as Africa’s leading hub for both business and leisure tourism.”

According to Constitution Hill Education, Heritage and Public Programmes Manager Reuben Pasha, the Creative Conference is expected to host around 600 young participants over three days.

He said the broader festival programme creates market access opportunities for small businesses through the Gauteng Curated Makers Market and generates temporary employment for artists, production crews and content creators.

Organisers estimate that approximately 150 gig work opportunities will be created through this year’s event.