The 14th Basha Uhuru Freedom Festival honors the youth who fought for freedom of choice on June 16th, 1976.
This festival is your chance to learn, get inspired, share skills, network, collaborate, and support the creative sector. It's the highlight of Constitution Hill's year-round Creative Uprising Program, which includes a Creative Hub with over 50 artist studios on-site. These local artists, designers, and makers will be showcasing and selling their work—don't miss this opportunity to buy local and support homegrown talent.
**THE MUSIC**
Constitution Hill has put together an incredible lineup for the Sounds of Freedom music festival on Saturday, June 27th at People's Park from 10am. With something for everyone, this fest will take you on a journey through time.
From Nasty C and Zee Nxumalo to the iconic Skwatta Kamp, DJ Tira, Bucie, and DJ Cleo. Plus 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 goes to legendary hip-hop group Skwatta Kamp. This award celebrates South African artists who've championed creative freedom through their music and become iconic voices in our cultural landscape. Past winners include Mandla Spikiri, Thebe and Alaska, and 2025 recipients Boom Shaka.
We're also unveiling a special mural honoring Maria McCloy—celebrated designer, publicist, and South African creative icon. Maria had a deep connection with Constitution Hill and performed on the Basha stage for the first time last year. The mural, created by acclaimed artist Lazi Mathebula, will join the Bra Hugh Masekela mural along Joubert Street.
**THE MARKET**
The Curated Makers Market showcases local creators offering everything from urban fashion and jewelry to handmade crafts and healing goods. Grab food from Joburg's favorite stalls, check out brand activations and exhibitions, and even get your portrait drawn by Rasta the Artist.
**THE CONFERENCE**
The Creative Conference starts June 24th with the Youth Summit on the Hill—a two-day event hosted by WeThePeopleSA with Constitution Hill and Seth Mazibuko Foundation. Featuring powerful speakers like Seth Mazibuko (Soweto Uprising leader), Constitutional Court Judges, and civil society leaders.
Over 100 young leaders, activists, students, and educators will gather to move beyond remembrance into reflection, constitutional literacy, and action—connecting 1976's legacy to today's responsibilities.
**Free programs** (register at www.bashauhuru.co.za):
- Iqhawe Magazine's Back to the Future Conference with intergenerational knowledge sharing
- Music Masterclass by Groove Academy covering how to turn talent into revenue
- Visions of Freedom Film Festival featuring local films
- Live Theater by Masingita Masunga: THE UPRISING – 50 YEARS ON
- Poetry Showcase curated by WordUp featuring Mak Manaka, Modise Sekgothe, Xabiso Vili, and more
These poets honor the 1976 youth while showing poetry's power to challenge injustice and imagine freer futures.
"Basha Uhuru is more than a festival—it celebrates the power, resilience, and imagination of South Africa's youth. We're thrilled to see thousands gather at Constitution Hill to commemorate 50 years of youth activism through music, art, film, entrepreneurship, and dialog," says Vuyiswa Ramokgopa, MEC Gauteng Economic Development.
"Our partnership reflects Joburg Tourism's commitment to using culture, heritage, and creativity as drivers of economic growth," adds Belu Mabandla, Executive Head of Destination Marketing & Events at Joburg Tourism Company.