Back To The City 2026: Full Lineup Revealed
For two decades, Back To The City Festival has stood at the heart of South African hip hop, bringing together artists, DJs, graffiti writers, dancers, entrepreneurs and fans to celebrate one of the country’s most influential music cultures.
On 10 October 2026, the iconic festival returns to Mary Fitzgerald Square in Newtown, Johannesburg, marking its 20th anniversary under the powerful theme:
Against All Odds.
And the full 2026 lineup is now here.
The latest announcement brings together major international hip hop names, South African heavyweights, rising artists, DJs, heritage acts and a huge collection of performers across the festival’s different stages and showcases.
The international lineup is led by AB-Soul, Slum Village, and Blu & Exile, while the local lineup features some of South Africa’s biggest names alongside a deep roster of emerging talent.
More than just a music festival, Back To The City has become a cultural institution that continues to shape South African hip hop while providing a platform for both established legends and the next generation of artists.
Back To The City 2026 Full Lineup
The 2026 edition brings together an expansive lineup across several categories, including Internationals, Local Line-Up, Power Hour, Heritage, Sixby9ine Presents, Deejays, Rare Groove and Hosts.
International Lineup
The international contingent features three respected names from the US hip hop scene:
- AB-Soul
- Slum Village
- Blu & Exile
The international lineup gives the 20th anniversary celebration an even bigger global dimension while keeping its roots firmly connected to hip hop culture.
Local Line-Up
The local lineup features an extensive mix of established South African artists and newer voices.
The first wave includes:
- Cassper Nyovest
- Emtee
- Blxckie
- Stogie T
- Reason
- Tuks
The lineup continues with:
- Kane Keid
- ZULU MECCA
- Touchline
- BabyLowski
- LoatinOver Pounds
- Buzzi Lee
The next group features:
- Frank Casino
- Dee Koala
- Zakwe
- Maraza
- Revivolution
- Last Days Fam
- Snakons
The local lineup is rounded out by:
- TA LNGZ
- Ziggy4X
- Firdy
- LanRose
- EmdeeYou
- Scar Stunner
- Seag Adkins
- Marley Bloo
- Babygirl Zae
With such a broad local lineup, the festival continues its tradition of representing different generations, sounds and perspectives within South African hip hop.
Power Hour
One of the most exciting features of this year’s festival is the return of the Power Hour, a platform dedicated to showcasing rising South African hip hop talent.
Designed to spotlight future stars, the showcase gives four artists one stage and one hour to prove they belong among the country’s elite.
2026 Power Hour Artists
- La Cabra
- Just Sam
- Tshego Santana
- Mfana Touchline
Each artist has built a growing reputation within South Africa’s hip hop scene, and their performances could mark the beginning of the next chapter in the country’s rap legacy.
The Power Hour continues Back To The City’s tradition of investing in young talent while ensuring the future of South African hip hop remains bright.
Heritage: Trompies
The Heritage segment brings legendary South African group Trompies to the 2026 festival.
Their inclusion adds another layer to the 20th anniversary celebration, connecting Back To The City’s hip hop-focused programming with the broader history of South African popular music and culture.
Sixby9ine Presents
The Sixby9ine Presents showcase features:
- Flow Jones Jr
- ROIII
- The NorthMob
- Bantu Nots
The showcase adds another platform for artists and collectives operating within the country’s evolving hip hop landscape.
Deejays
Back To The City has always been about more than rappers and vocalists. DJs remain central to the culture, and the 2026 lineup features a substantial roster of selectors.
The first group includes:
- DJ Speedsta
- Kyotic
- Kenzhero
- DJ Azhul
- Mr X
- C-Live
- DJ Easy
- AMU
The lineup continues with:
- Mac Breezy
- Skywalker
- Zero
- Spontaneous
- Speeka
- Lusi
- Tha Gutt
And the final group includes:
- Nikki Newlands
- Mac Shawty
- DJ Soosh
- Rush-Awa
From established selectors to newer voices, the DJ lineup reinforces the festival’s commitment to the culture that exists beyond the stage.
Rare Groove
The Rare Groove segment features:
- Nutty Nys
- Kitchen Mess
- Trev The Japanese
- Maxx
- Doda
- Bubbles
- BoisanZA
The section adds another dimension to the festival’s musical offering, celebrating deeper sounds and the crate-digging spirit that remains an important part of hip hop and DJ culture.
Hosts
The 2026 festival will also feature a dedicated group of hosts helping guide the crowd through the celebration.
The announced hosts are:
- Nomfundo Yekani
- Mmambo “The Voice of God”
- DJ Fae Fae
- XXC Legacy
- Xavier Thxmas
A Celebration of 20 Years of Hip Hop Culture
Since its inception, Back To The City has championed authentic South African hip hop by creating opportunities for emerging talent while celebrating the pioneers who helped build the culture.
The 2026 edition promises to be one of the biggest celebrations in the festival’s history, inviting thousands of fans to experience live performances, unforgettable moments and the unmistakable energy that has defined the event for the past 20 years.
The festival’s “Against All Odds” theme reflects the journey of an event that has continued to survive, evolve and create space for hip hop culture over two decades.
Organisers are encouraging fans not to experience the milestone from behind a screen but to be part of history in person.
“Will You Say I Was There?”
As anticipation builds, the festival’s message is simple.
When people ask where you were during the 20-year celebration of Back To The City, will your answer be:
- “I watched it online.”
or
- “I was there.”
Why Back To The City Matters
Back To The City is more than a concert.
It celebrates every element of hip hop culture, including:
- Live music
- Rap battles
- DJs
- Street fashion
- Dance
- Graffiti art
- Community
- Youth culture
- Local entrepreneurship
For many fans and artists alike, the festival represents a place where South African creativity and self-expression come together.
Its 20th anniversary provides an opportunity to celebrate not only the artists performing on stage, but the wider culture and community that have kept South African hip hop moving forward.
Back To The City Festival 2026 Details
Event: Back To The City Festival 2026
Theme: Against All Odds
Date: 10 October 2026
Venue: Mary Fitzgerald Square, Newtown, Johannesburg
Tickets: Available now via Webtickets and Pick n Pay stores.
Why You Should Attend
Whether you’ve attended every edition or plan to experience it for the first time, the 20th anniversary promises to be one of the festival’s most memorable celebrations.
With international hip hop acts, South African heavyweights, rising stars, heritage performances, DJs and thousands of hip hop fans gathering in one place, Back To The City continues to prove why it remains one of South Africa’s most important hip hop festivals.
The 20th anniversary edition brings the full spectrum of the culture together under one roof — from AB-Soul, Slum Village and Blu & Exile to Cassper Nyovest, Emtee, Blxckie, Stogie T, Trompies and the many artists, DJs and creatives making up the 2026 lineup.
Against all odds. Twenty years deep.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Back To The City Festival 2026?
Back To The City Festival takes place on 10 October 2026.
Where is Back To The City Festival held?
The festival takes place at Mary Fitzgerald Square, Newtown, Johannesburg.
What is the theme for Back To The City 2026?
The official theme is Against All Odds, celebrating 20 years of South African hip hop culture.
Who is performing internationally at Back To The City 2026?
The international lineup features AB-Soul, Slum Village, and Blu & Exile.
Who is performing on the local lineup?
The local lineup includes Cassper Nyovest, Emtee, Blxckie, Stogie T, Reason, Tuks, Kane Keid, ZULU MECCA, Touchline, BabyLowski, LoatinOver Pounds, Buzzi Lee, Frank Casino, Dee Koala, Zakwe, Maraza, Revivolution, Last Days Fam, Snakons, TA LNGZ, Ziggy4X, Firdy, LanRose, EmdeeYou, Scar Stunner, Seag Adkins, Marley Bloo and Babygirl Zae.
Who is performing during Power Hour?
The 2026 Power Hour features La Cabra, Just Sam, Tshego Santana and Mfana Touchline.
Who is performing in the Heritage segment?
The Heritage segment features legendary South African group Trompies.
Who is part of Sixby9ine Presents?
The Sixby9ine Presents lineup features Flow Jones Jr, ROIII, The NorthMob and Bantu Nots.
Which DJs are performing at Back To The City 2026?
The announced DJs include DJ Speedsta, Kyotic, Kenzhero, DJ Azhul, Mr X, C-Live, DJ Easy, AMU, Mac Breezy, Skywalker, Zero, Spontaneous, Speeka, Lusi, Tha Gutt, Nikki Newlands, Mac Shawty, DJ Soosh and Rush-Awa.
Who is performing in Rare Groove?
The Rare Groove lineup features Nutty Nys, Kitchen Mess, Trev The Japanese, Maxx, Doda, Bubbles and BoisanZA.
Who are the hosts for Back To The City 2026?
The announced hosts are Nomfundo Yekani, Mmambo “The Voice of God”, DJ Fae Fae, XXC Legacy and Xavier Thxmas.
Where can I buy Back To The City tickets?
Tickets are available through Webtickets and Pick n Pay stores, as well as through the official festival channels.
Why is Back To The City important?
Back To The City is a major South African hip hop festival that celebrates music, art, fashion, dance and youth culture while providing a platform for both emerging and established artists.
