Khotso Isaacs
11 Mar 2025
South Africa's hip-hop scene is thriving in 2025, offering a diverse array of festivals that celebrate the culture through music, dance, fashion, and community. Whether you're in Cape Town, Johannesburg, or elsewhere, here are the top hip-hop festivals you won't want to miss:
🎤 1. Back to the City Festival – Johannesburg
📅 Date: Saturday, 11 October 2025📍 Venue: Mary Fitzgerald Square, Newtown🎟️ Tickets: Starting from R200
As Africa’s largest hip-hop festival, Back to the City returns for its 19th edition, featuring over 100 artists, graffiti exhibitions, dance battles, skateboarding showcases, and streetwear markets. Past performers have included Nasty C, Blxckie, and international acts like Benny the Butcher. This year promises an even bigger lineup and immersive cultural experiences.
🧢 2. Lemo Fest – Bloemfontein
📅 Date: Various dates throughout the year, including 27 April and 5 October 2025📍 Venue: Lemo Mall, Bloemfontein(lemofest.co.za)
Lemo Fest is a dynamic cultural festival in Bloemfontein, featuring a variety of events such as gospel concerts, hip-hop showcases, and community gatherings. The festival aims to promote local talent and foster community engagement through music and arts.
🕺 3. Hip Hop International South Africa – Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg
📅 Date: Various regional events leading up to the national finals🎟️ Tickets: Available for spectators(Instagram)
This premier dance competition showcases the most technically impressive dancers from all nine provinces, culminating in a national championship. Winners earn the honor of representing South Africa at the World Hip Hop Championships in the USA.
🎶 4. Durban Music Fest – Durban
📅 Date: Saturday, 3 May 2025📍 Venue: Hollywoodbets Kings Park Stadium🎟️ Tickets: Available through official channels
Headlined by Rick Ross, this festival brings international and local talent to Durban. With performances by Nasty C, Blxckie, DJ Tira, and more, it's a must-attend for hip-hop enthusiasts.
🧢 5. Maftown Heights – Mafikeng
📅 Date: TBC, usually November📍 Venue: Mmabatho Stadium, Mafikeng🎟️ Tickets: Available via official channels
Maftown Heights is one of South Africa's most iconic hip-hop events, known for celebrating the best in local hip-hop talent. The festival is a showcase of both rising stars and established artists, with previous performers including Khuli Chana, Cassper Nyovest, and others. It’s a key event for those looking to experience authentic South African hip-hop culture.
🏆 6. Back to the City Festival – Johannesburg
📅 Date: Saturday, 11 October 2025📍 Venue: Mary Fitzgerald Square, Newtown🎟️ Tickets: Starting from R200
Back to the City Festival is one of South Africa’s premier celebrations of hip-hop culture. The festival brings together live performances from top artists, graffiti exhibitions, urban dance battles, and plenty of opportunities to connect with like-minded fans. Don’t miss the chance to be part of South Africa’s largest hip-hop event.
🖌️ 7. Hip Hop Encounters – Cape Town
📅 Date: Saturday, 5 April 2025📍 Venue: Artscape Theatre🎟️ Tickets: Available for spectators
This event features workshops and masterclasses with internationally acclaimed mentors, culminating in a showcase performance. It's a platform for dancers to learn, refine techniques, and share their craft.
🧢 8. Hey Neighbour Festival – Pretoria
📅 Date: December 2025 (Exact dates TBC)📍 Venue: Legends Adventure Farm, R515 Rhino Park🎟️ Tickets: TBC
This three-day global music festival unites international and local artists. The inaugural 2023 lineup included Kendrick Lamar, Swedish House Mafia, and H.E.R., setting high expectations for the 2025 edition.
Pro Tip: For those in Cape Town, consider attending the Hip Hop Encounters in April and the PE Hip Hop Awards in July. While Johannesburg hosts the majority of major hip-hop festivals, these events offer a taste of the culture closer to home.