Back To The City 2026 Tickets & Full Lineup: AB-Soul, Slum Village, Cassper & More
Last updated: 5 October 2026
Back To The City 2026 tickets are on sale, with the legendary Johannesburg hip hop festival returning to Mary Fitzgerald Square in Newtown on 10 October 2026 for its massive 20th anniversary.
This year’s edition is being staged under the theme “Against All Odds” and brings together an unusually deep lineup spanning international hip hop, South African rap, heritage acts, DJs, emerging artists and specialist showcases.
The international bill is led by AB-Soul, Slum Village and Blu & Exile, while the South African lineup includes Cassper Nyovest, Emtee, Blxckie, Stogie T, Reason, Tuks, Touchline, Dee Koala, Frank Casino and more.
If you’re looking for Back To The City 2026 tickets, the full lineup, date, venue and the artists performing, here’s everything you need to know.
Back To The City 2026 Tickets
The biggest question ahead of the festival is simple: how do you get tickets for Back To The City 2026?
Tickets are available through Webtickets and selected Pick n Pay stores, with fans encouraged to secure their entry ahead of the 20th anniversary celebration.
Event: Back To The City Festival 2026
Date: Saturday, 10 October 2026
Venue: Mary Fitzgerald Square, Newtown, Johannesburg
Theme: Against All Odds
Tickets: Webtickets and Pick n Pay stores
Ticket warning: Check the official ticketing channels for the latest availability, pricing and ticket categories before purchasing.
Back To The City 2026 Full Lineup
The 2026 lineup is spread across multiple sections, giving the festival much more depth than a standard concert bill.
International Artists
The international lineup features three major names:
- AB-Soul
- Slum Village
- Blu & Exile
AB-Soul’s addition became one of the major talking points of the festival build-up, adding another major US rap name to an already significant 20th anniversary lineup.
Slum Village bring their Detroit-rooted legacy to Johannesburg, while Blu & Exile represent another important chapter of independent and underground hip hop.
Together, the three acts give Back To The City 2026 a strong international identity without taking away from the festival’s South African foundation.
South African Lineup
The local lineup is where Back To The City really expands.
Main Local Lineup
- 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
- Babygirl Zae
The size of the local bill means fans aren’t just getting a handful of headline performances. The festival is once again using its stages to represent different eras, sounds and corners of South African hip hop.
Power Hour
The Power Hour returns as a dedicated platform for emerging South African talent.
The 2026 artists are:
- La Cabra
- Just Sam
- Tshego Santana
- Mfana Touchline
The concept gives four artists a concentrated window to make their mark in front of a festival audience, continuing Back To The City’s role in developing the next generation.
Heritage: Trompies
The festival’s Heritage segment brings in legendary South African group Trompies.
Their inclusion adds another layer to the 20th anniversary celebration, connecting Back To The City’s hip hop identity to the broader history of South African popular music and township 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 South Africa’s evolving hip hop ecosystem.
Back To The City 2026 DJs
The DJ lineup is just as important as the rappers.
The announced selectors 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
- Rush-Awa
For a festival built around hip hop culture rather than simply a concert format, the DJ programming remains a crucial part of the experience.
Rare Groove
The Rare Groove lineup features:
- Nutty Nys
- Kitchen Mess
- Trev The Japanese
- Maxx
- Doda
- Bubbles
- BoisanZA
The segment brings another musical dimension to the festival, leaning into deeper selections and the crate-digging culture that has always been closely connected to hip hop.
Back To The City 2026 Hosts
The festival will also feature:
- Nomfundo Yekani
- Mmambo “The Voice of God”
- DJ Fae Fae
- XXC Legacy
- Xavier Thxmas
Why The 20th Anniversary Matters
Back To The City isn’t simply celebrating another festival edition.
Twenty years is a major milestone for a festival that has remained closely tied to the development of South African hip hop and street culture.
The “Against All Odds” theme speaks directly to that history.
Over two decades, the festival has created space for rappers, DJs, dancers, graffiti artists, entrepreneurs, fashion communities and fans to gather around the culture.
The 2026 edition brings that entire ecosystem together again — but with an international lineup capable of attracting attention well beyond South Africa.
Back To The City 2026 Quick Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Festival | Back To The City 2026 |
| Date | 10 October 2026 |
| Venue | Mary Fitzgerald Square, Newtown, Johannesburg |
| Theme | Against All Odds |
| Edition | 20th Anniversary |
| International acts | AB-Soul, Slum Village, Blu & Exile |
| Heritage | Trompies |
| Tickets | Webtickets & Pick n Pay stores |
Back To The City 2026: Who Should Be Watching?
If you’re coming for the international names, AB-Soul, Slum Village and Blu & Exile are obvious draws.
If you’re looking for South African rap, the bill stretches across established stars such as Cassper Nyovest, Emtee, Blxckie and Stogie T, alongside a much deeper group of artists.
And if your interest goes beyond the main stage, Power Hour, Rare Groove, Sixby9ine Presents, Heritage and the DJ programming give the festival considerably more to explore.
That’s ultimately what makes Back To The City different.
It isn’t built around one headliner.
It’s built around the culture.
Back To The City 2026 Tickets: Don’t Miss The 20th Anniversary
On 10 October, Mary Fitzgerald Square becomes the meeting point for two decades of South African hip hop history.
From AB-Soul and Slum Village to Cassper Nyovest, Emtee, Blxckie, Stogie T and Trompies, the 2026 edition brings together multiple generations of artists in one of the festival’s biggest celebrations yet.
Twenty years deep. Against all odds.
If you’re planning to attend, secure your Back To The City 2026 ticket and get ready for one of Johannesburg’s biggest hip hop culture gatherings of the year.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Back To The City 2026?
Back To The City 2026 takes place on Saturday, 10 October 2026.
Where is Back To The City 2026?
The festival takes place at Mary Fitzgerald Square in Newtown, Johannesburg.
Where can I buy Back To The City 2026 tickets?
Tickets are available through Webtickets and selected Pick n Pay stores. Check the official ticketing channels for current availability and pricing.
Who is performing at Back To The City 2026?
The international lineup features AB-Soul, Slum Village and Blu & Exile. The local lineup includes Cassper Nyovest, Emtee, Blxckie, Stogie T, Reason, Tuks, Touchline, Dee Koala, Frank Casino and many more.
Is AB-Soul performing at Back To The City 2026?
Yes. AB-Soul is part of the international lineup for Back To The City’s 20th anniversary edition.
Is Slum Village performing at Back To The City 2026?
Yes. Slum Village are part of the international lineup.
Who is performing in the Power Hour?
The 2026 Power Hour lineup features La Cabra, Just Sam, Tshego Santana and Mfana Touchline.
Who is performing in the Heritage segment?
Trompies are featured in the Heritage segment.
Who are the DJs at Back To The City 2026?
The announced DJ lineup includes 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.
What is the theme of Back To The City 2026?
The official theme for the 20th anniversary edition is “Against All Odds.”
