The 14th edition of the Basha Uhuru Freedom Festival is remembering the legacy of the youth who fought for their freedom to choose on June 16th 1976.
The Basha Uhuru festival is an opportunity to learn and be inspired, share skills and nurture talent, network, collaborate, create and monetize whilst driving important conversations affecting the creative sector. Basha Uhuru is a culmination of the year round Creative Uprising Program created by Constitution Hill which also has a Creative Hub on site with over 50 creative makers studios in House. These artists; designers and makers will be exhibiting at the festival and showing off their products for sale. It is an opportunity to buy local and support makers that should not be missed.
THE MUSIC
This year Constitution Hill has curated a line up for the Sounds of Freedom music festival taking place on Saturday, 27th of June at the People’s Park, Constitution Hill from 10am. And with something to offer both the young and young at heart, the fest is set to take you on a whirlwind of artists that will have concert goers going back in time.
From Nasty C and Zee Nxumalo to the iconic Skwatta Kamp, DJ Tira, Bucie and DJ Cleo. They will also be joined by Lia Butler; Osmic; Teedo Love; Atmos Blaq x Maline Aura, HitBossSA, Sipho Alphi Mkhwanaz, Umzulu Phaqa, Vuyo Viwe , Ndumiso Beloved and more on the main stage.
THE LEGACY
The Basha Uhuru Legacy Award this year is proudly being presented to the legendary hiphop outfit Skwatta Kamp. This award was created to honour and celebrate South African artists who have, over the years, championed creative freedom through their music and earned their place as iconic voices in our cultural landscape, with timeless contributions that continue to shape our heritage.
Previous recipients of this auspicious award include Mandla Spikiri, Thebe and Alaska and the 2025 recipients Boom Shaka.
Basha Uhuru will also be unveiling a very special mural honoring celebrated designer, acclaimed publicist and South African creative icon Maria McCloy. Maria held a very special relationship with Constitution Hill over the years. She was integral in championing the publicity of the Basha Uhuru Festival and performed for the first time on the Basha stage last year! The mural , designed by local accomplished artist and creative maker Lazi Mathebula, who is well recognised for his unique style both in SA and globally. This mural will sit next to that of our music legend Bra Hugh Masekela on the public facing mural wall along Joubert Street at Constitution Hill.
THE MARKET
The Curated Makers Market is a vibrant space showcasing local creators and their unique products, from urban fashion and agro-processing to jewellery, handmade crafts, healing goods, and more. Enjoy some of Joburg’s favourite food stalls ready to satisfy every craving, along with exciting brand activations, creative pop-ups, and inspiring exhibitions. You can even have your portrait drawn live by Rasta the Artist!
THE CONFERENCE
The Creative Conference kicks off on June 24th with the Youth Summit on the Hill, a flagship two-day gathering convening hosted by WeThePeopleSA in partnership with Constitution Hill Dev Company and Seth Mazibuko Foundation as part of the Basha Uhuru Festival. Bringing powerful speakers such as Seth Mazibuko – Soweto Uprising leader and SMF Founder; Constitutional Court Judge: Justice Kollapen; Justice Tembeka Ngcukaitobi (Acting Con Court Judge); Tshepo Madlingozi – Commissioner – SAHRC; Kamo Malikane – School learner: Junior Mayor – City of Jhb; The GBV Respond Fund; Section 27 and multiple civil society organizations.
The summit will bring together over 100 young leaders, activists, students, learners and educators. Positioned immediately after June 16 commemorations, the summit deliberately moves beyond remembrance into reflection, constitutional literacy, civic participation, and action, connecting the legacy of the 1976 generation to the responsibilities facing young people in contemporary South Africa.
The summit responds to several interconnected challenges identified nationally.
Open programs which are free to attend by registering on www.bashauhuru.co.zainclude:
- Iqhawe Magazine’s Back to the Future Remembering the road to 2026 Conference with intergenerational knowledge sharing; creative making and reflections on the heritage of June 16th
- Music Masterclass by ‘Groove Academy that includes SAMRO; SAMPRA and experts from the music industry teaching how to convert talent into revenue – all the do’s and don’ts for emerging musicians
- The Visions of Freedom Film Festival flighting a collection of locally produced films.
- Live Theatre produced by Masingita Masunga titled THE UPRISING – 50 YEARS ON: ALUTA MUST NOT CONTINUE June 1976 – June 2026 and Poetry Showcase curated by WordUp – Words of Freedom Poetry.
The Poetry line-up reflects the evolving legacy of creative expression as a form of resistance and liberation. From Mak Manaka’s decades-long commitment to poetry and artistic resilience, to current Standard Bank Young Artist for Poetry Modise Sekgothe’s innovative expansion of poetry into theatre, music, and interdisciplinary performance, as well as former World Slam, Champion Xabiso Vili who has elevated South African spoken word on the global stage with his groundbreaking fusion of poetry, activism, and new media. These artists, together with a generation of poets who challenge conventions, amplify marginalized voices, and inspire social consciousness, honour the courage of the youth of 1976 while affirming poetry’s enduring role in shaping consciousness, challenging injustice, and imagining freer futures.
“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. Events like these are vital because they provide platforms for young people to express themselves, develop their talents and contribute to Gauteng’s growing creative economy. We look forward to another inspiring and impactful edition of Basha Uhuru”, Vuyiswa Ramokgopa – MEC Gauteng Economic Development, Agriculture and Rural Development.
“Our partnership with the Basha Uhuru Festival reflects Joburg Tourism’s commitment to leveraging culture, heritage and creativity as powerful drivers of economic growth and destination promotion,” says Belu Mabandla, Executive Head: Destination Marketing & Events, Joburg Tourism Company.
Visit www.bashauhuru.co.za to register!
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