Basha Uhuru 2026 Lineup: Skwatta Kamp, Nasty C, DJ Tira & More at Sounds of Freedom
Basha Uhuru 2026 Lineup: Skwatta Kamp, Nasty C, DJ Tira & More at Sounds of Freedom
Johannesburg, South Africa – The 14th edition of the Basha Uhuru Freedom Festival is remembering the legacy of the youth who fought for their freedom to choose on June 16th 1976.
The Basha Uhuru festival is an opportunity to learn and be inspired, share skills and nurture talent, network, collaborate, create and monetize whilst driving important conversations affecting the creative sector. Basha Uhuru is a culmination of the year round Creative Uprising Program created by Constitution Hill which also has a Creative Hub on site with over 50 creative makers studios in House. These artists; designers and makers will be exhibiting at the festival and showing off their products for sale. It is an opportunity to buy local and support makers that should not be missed.
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THE MUSIC
This year Constitution Hill has curated a line up for the Sounds of Freedom music festival taking place on Saturday, 27th of June at the People’s Park, Constitution Hill from 10am. And with something to offer both the young and young at heart, the fest is set to take you on a whirlwind of artists that will have concert goers going back in time.
From Nasty C and Zee Nxumalo to the iconic Skwatta Kamp, DJ Tira, Bucie and DJ Cleo. They will also be joined by 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 this year is proudly being presented to the legendary hiphop outfit Skwatta Kamp. This award was created to honour and celebrate South African artists who have, over the years, championed creative freedom through their music and earned their place as iconic voices in our cultural landscape, with timeless contributions that continue to shape our heritage.
Previous recipients of this auspicious award include Mandla Spikiri, Thebe and Alaska and the 2025 recipients Boom Shaka.
Basha Uhuru will also be unveiling a very special mural honoring celebrated designer, acclaimed publicist and South African creative icon Maria McCloy. Maria held a very special relationship with Constitution Hill over the years. She was integral in championing the publicity of the Basha Uhuru Festival and performed for the first time on the Basha stage last year! The mural , designed by local accomplished artist and creative maker Lazi Mathebula, who is well recognised for his unique style both in SA and globally. This mural will sit next to that of our music legend Bra Hugh Masekela on the public facing mural wall along Joubert Street at Constitution Hill.
THE MARKET
The Curated Makers Market is a vibrant space showcasing local creators and their unique products, from urban fashion and agro-processing to jewellery, handmade crafts, healing goods, and more. Enjoy some of Joburg’s favourite food stalls ready to satisfy every craving, along with exciting brand activations, creative pop-ups, and inspiring exhibitions. You can even have your portrait drawn live by Rasta the Artist!
THE CONFERENCE
The Creative Conference kicks off on June 24th with the Youth Summit on the Hill, a flagship two-day gathering convening hosted by WeThePeopleSA in partnership with Constitution Hill Dev Company and Seth Mazibuko Foundation as part of the Basha Uhuru Festival. Bringing powerful speakers such as Seth Mazibuko – Soweto Uprising leader and SMF Founder; Constitutional Court Judge: Justice Kollapen; Justice Tembeka Ngcukaitobi (Acting Con Court Judge); Tshepo Madlingozi – Commissioner – SAHRC; Kamo Malikane – School learner: Junior Mayor – City of Jhb; The GBV Respond Fund; Section 27 and multiple civil society organizations.
The summit will bring together over 100 young leaders, activists, students, learners and educators. Positioned immediately after June 16 commemorations, the summit deliberately moves beyond remembrance into reflection, constitutional literacy, civic participation, and action, connecting the legacy of the 1976 generation to the responsibilities facing young people in contemporary South Africa.
The summit responds to several interconnected challenges identified nationally.
Open programs which are free to attend by registering on www.bashauhuru.co.za include:
- Iqhawe Magazine’s Back to the Future Remembering the road to 2026 Conference with intergenerational knowledge sharing; creative making and reflections on the heritage of June 16th
- Music Masterclass by ‘Groove Academy that includes SAMRO; SAMPRA and experts from the music industry teaching how to convert talent into revenue – all the do’s and don’ts for emerging musicians
- The Visions of Freedom Film Festival flighting a collection of locally produced films.
- Live Theatre produced by Masingita Masunga titled THE UPRISING – 50 YEARS ON: ALUTA MUST NOT CONTINUE June 1976 – June 2026 and Poetry Showcase curated by WordUp – Words of Freedom Poetry.
The Poetry line-up reflects the evolving legacy of creative expression as a form of resistance and liberation. From Mak Manaka’s decades-long commitment to poetry and artistic resilience, to current Standard Bank Young Artist for Poetry Modise Sekgothe’s innovative expansion of poetry into theatre, music, and interdisciplinary performance, as well as former World Slam, Champion Xabiso Vili who has elevated South African spoken word on the global stage with his groundbreaking fusion of poetry, activism, and new media. These artists, together with a generation of poets who challenge conventions, amplify marginalized voices, and inspire social consciousness, honour the courage of the youth of 1976 while affirming poetry’s enduring role in shaping consciousness, challenging injustice, and imagining freer futures.
“Basha Uhuru is more than a festival – it is a celebration of the power, resilience and imagination of South Africa’s youth. We are thrilled to see thousands of young people gather at Constitution Hill to commemorate 50 years of youth activism and creative freedom through music, art, film, entrepreneurship and dialogue. Events like these are vital because they provide platforms for young people to express themselves, develop their talents and contribute to Gauteng’s growing creative economy. We look forward to another inspiring and impactful edition of Basha Uhuru”, Vuyiswa Ramokgopa – MEC Gauteng Economic Development, Agriculture and Rural Development.
“Our partnership with the Basha Uhuru Festival reflects Joburg Tourism’s commitment to leveraging culture, heritage and creativity as powerful drivers of economic growth and destination promotion,” says Belu Mabandla, Executive Head: Destination Marketing & Events, Joburg Tourism Company.
Visit www.bashauhuru.co.za to register!
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Facebook: Constitution Hill (South Africa)
Instagram: @Constitution_Hill
X: @VisitConHill
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THE CREATIVE UPRISING
Basha Uhuru festivals play different roles:
- It is the coming together of Con Hill’s Creative Uprising Hub to exhibit; profile and support those in the creative sector. It provides a point of focus and creative celebration for Gauteng’s creative community
- The Creative Uprising is a youth movement synonymous with a creative, open-minded, and often non-conforming and unconventional community, placing the institution at the epicentre of urban culture inspired by music, art and urban culture
- The Creative Uprising, an ongoing programme designed to support creatives was launched in 2020
- Creatives, makers, artisans, craftspeople, illustrators; entertainers; artists and digital designers were issued a call to action to join the movement and become members of the program.
- Membership provides access; to studio spaces; business support; education; market access; networking and various platforms for expression
- Elements of the program such as seminars; masterclasses; dialogues, and capacity building programmes take place throughout the year.
- The festival targets creative enrichment and development, rather than commercial outcomes. We leverage funds for the maximum possible impact rather than profit.
FAQ – Basha Uhuru Freedom Festival 2026
Here are answers to the most frequently asked questions about the Basha Uhuru Freedom Festival and the Sounds of Freedom Music Festival .
What is the Basha Uhuru Freedom Festival?
The Basha Uhuru Freedom Festival is an annual youth arts and culture festival founded by Constitution Hill in 2012 to honour the youth of the 1976 Soweto Uprising . It combines music, art, film, poetry, design, entrepreneurship, and youth culture to empower young people through creative expression .
When and where is the 2026 festival taking place?
The 14th edition of the Basha Uhuru Freedom Festival runs from 24 to 27 June 2026 at Constitution Hill, Johannesburg . The Sounds of Freedom Music Festival takes place on Saturday, 27 June 2026 at the People’s Park, Constitution Hill, from 10:00 AM .
What is the theme for the 2026 festival?
The 2026 festival is themed “Commemorating 50 Years of Youth Activism and Creative Freedom” . It moves beyond commemoration to ask what youth activism, creative freedom and civic imagination mean for a new generation .
Who is performing at the Sounds of Freedom Music Festival?
| Artist | Notable For |
|---|---|
| Nasty C | Hip-hop superstar |
| Skwatta Kamp | Legendary hip-hop group |
| DJ Tira | Amapiano and dance music icon |
| Zee Nxumalo | Amapiano vocalist |
| Bucie | “Easy to Love” singer |
| DJ Cleo | SAMA-award winner |
| Lia Butler, OSMIC, Teedo Love | Emerging artists |
| Atmos Blaq x Maline Aura | Electronic/soul collaboration |
| HitBossSA, Lochive | Amapiano producers/performers |
What is the Basha Uhuru Legacy Award?
The Basha Uhuru Legacy Award honours South African artists who have championed creative freedom through their music and earned their place as iconic voices in the country’s cultural landscape . Skwatta Kamp is the 2026 recipient of this prestigious award .
Previous winners include Mandla “Spikiri” Mofokeng, Thebe, Alaska, and Boom Shaka (2025 recipients) .
Who is Maria McCloy and why is a mural being unveiled?
Maria McCloy was a celebrated designer, publicist, DJ, and South African creative icon who died on 12 May 2026 . She had a deep connection with Constitution Hill, performing on the Basha stage in 2025 . A mural honouring her, designed by artist Lazi Mathebula, will be unveiled at Constitution Hill on the public mural wall along Joubert Street, next to the mural dedicated to Hugh Masekela .
How much do tickets cost and where can I buy them?
Tickets for the Sounds of Freedom Music Festival range from R180 to R550 and are available via Webtickets . The broader festival includes free events, including film screenings, theatre, and poetry .
What other activities are happening at the festival?
- Creative Conference (24-25 June): A Youth Summit on the Hill featuring powerful speakers including Soweto Uprising leader Seth Mazibuko, Justice Tembeka Ngcukaitobi, and various civil society organizations
- Curated Makers Market: Showcasing local fashion, jewellery, handmade crafts, healing goods, and food stalls
- Creative Youth Expo: Exhibitions and heritage-focused activities
- Music masterclasses: With industry experts from SAMRO and SAMPRA
Who organises the festival?
The Basha Uhuru Freedom Festival is organised by Constitution Hill as its flagship signature youth festival . The Creative Conference is presented in partnership with WeThePeopleSA and the Seth Mazibuko Foundation .
What is the purpose of the festival?
The festival aims to “immortalise the memory of the youth who fought for their right to choose during the Soweto Uprising of 1976” and provide today’s youth with “the freedom to create” . It creates platforms for young people to develop their talents, network, and participate in the creative economy .
Is there a market where I can buy local products?
Yes! The Curated Makers Market is a vibrant space where over 50 creative makers from Constitution Hill’s Creative Hub will be exhibiting and selling their products . You can also enjoy Joburg’s favourite food stalls and brand activations .
What is the age restriction for Sounds of Freedom?
The age restriction is strictly no under 18s permitted for the Sounds of Freedom Music Festival . A valid ID is required for entry.
How do I get to Constitution Hill?
Constitution Hill is located in Braamfontein, Johannesburg . The address is 11 Kotze Street, Braamfontein, Gauteng. Public transport options include the Gautrain (Park Station), Metrobus, and Rea Vaya bus routes. Parking is also available on-site.
Can I buy tickets at the door?
Tickets are available online through Webtickets . Given the popularity of the event, advance purchase is strongly recommended. Availability at the door is not guaranteed.
Will there be security at the event?
Yes. Constitution Hill provides security services on-site throughout the festival to ensure a safe environment for all attendees .
Is the festival accessible for people with disabilities?
Constitution Hill is committed to accessibility. Contact the venue directly for specific information regarding accessible facilities and services.
Where can I find more information?
- Website: Constitution Hill’s official website
- Social Media: Follow @bashauhuru on Facebook, Instagram, and X
- Contact: Constitution Hill directly via their website or social media channels
