Article by Lonwabo Mtyeku (GP News Media – Community Newsroom) | Cape Town | 13 October 2025
Johannesburg, 13 October 2025 — Even heavy rain couldn’t dim the fire of Africa’s biggest hip-hop celebration. The Back to the City Festival 2025, held on 11 October at Mary Fitzgerald Square, once again transformed downtown Johannesburg into a living, breathing tribute to rhythm, rhyme, and resistance — with Grammy Award-winning rapper Lupe Fiasco headlining a lineup that honoured both the legacy and future of African hip-hop.
Now in its 19th year, Back to the City proved once more that it’s more than just a music festival — it’s a movement, a mirror of South African youth culture, and a masterclass in endurance. Despite unpredictable weather, more than 18,000 fans packed the historic square for a day of unity, art, and unapologetic expression.
The Beat Goes On: Culture and Community at the Core
Under this year’s theme, “Power in Numbers,” the festival pulsed with solidarity. From the graffiti walls and skate zones to freestyle battles and streetwear pop-ups, every corner of Newtown echoed with the energy of authenticity.
When Lupe Fiasco finally took to the stage late in the evening, the crowd erupted. His lyrical precision, socially conscious verses, and classic hits like “Kick Push” and “Superstar” ignited a wave of nostalgia and admiration. Lupe’s set — his first major performance in South Africa in nearly a decade — stood as a powerful reminder that hip-hop still carries messages of protest, pride, and poetry.
Local giants Cassper Nyovest, A-Reece, Maglera Doe Boy, Big Zulu, and Tuks Senganga kept the crowd moving with sets that blended storytelling, swagger, and South African flair. The Legends Celebration segment was another emotional highlight, paying homage to pioneers who built the foundation of local hip-hop culture.
Production, Passion, and Purpose
Beyond the music, Back to the City 2025 excelled in execution. The multiple stages, well-curated schedule, and immersive brand activations delivered a dynamic experience. Despite the rain, technical teams ensured that sound, lighting, and safety remained on point — a testament to the professionalism behind the scenes.
However, not everything went without a hitch. Some fans expressed frustration over weather disruptions, long food queues, and limited shelter areas. Ticket pricing also sparked debate, with younger fans calling for more affordable access tiers. Still, the passion of the crowd — drenched yet dancing — made it clear: the culture comes first.
Lessons from the Mic
As the festival continues to evolve, several takeaways stand out:
- Weather readiness should be a higher priority — from better drainage to covered viewing zones.
- Accessibility and information flow need tightening, especially around schedule changes and crowd movement.
- Emerging artist platforms could be expanded, ensuring the next generation of MCs and DJs receive equal spotlight alongside established acts.
- Community engagement beyond the festival day — through workshops, mentorships, and year-round activations — remains a key growth area.
A City, A Culture, A Continuum
Back to the City 2025 wasn’t perfect — few major festivals ever are — but it was powerful. It turned Newtown into the heartbeat of African hip-hop, proving that the culture’s soul is alive, evolving, and unbreakable.
Lupe Fiasco’s headlining performance symbolised the global recognition of South Africa’s hip-hop movement, while local artists ensured that the spotlight remained firmly rooted on home soil.
As the final echoes of bass faded into the Johannesburg night, one truth remained: Back to the City isn’t just where hip-hop lives — it’s where it grows, rains or shine
📸 Images courtesy of Back to the City Festival / Totem Media
🌐 www.backtothecityfestival.com