SA: Basha Uhuru Freedom Festival announces line-up

Other confirmed local acts are Langa Mavuso, Thebe, De Mthuda & Njelik, DJ Kent, DJ Dimplez, The Brother Moves On, Urban Village, African Rhythm Productions, Ikati Esangweni, Coppashot & Bobotical, DJ Zero, Rosie Parade, Deniece Marz, Sistamatic, P Kuttah, Scott The Girl, Tha Muzik, Ace of Spades, DBN Gogo & FOSTA and The Charles Géne Suite.

The event, which is in its seventh edition, features such activities as art, design, film and poetry. It also showcases workshops and entrepreneurial support programmes for young creatives.

“Basha Uhuru was created seven years ago as 16 June 1976 is a day that is synonymous with South Africa’s struggle against apartheid,” Constitution Hill CEO Dawn Robertson said. “It’s the day that symbolises the rising of our nation’s youth against oppression. It is the day that changed the course of our country’s history. It is the day that our country’s youth claimed their rightful place in our country’s narrative.

"This year we are celebrating 25 years of creative freedom. In this, the 25th anniversary of our democracy, we at Constitution Hill will demonstrate our commitment to building a stronger and fairer society by exploring issues relating to human rights, democracy and social justice,” she said. “We believe in artistic activism, that the arts can change lives and communities by transmitting fundamental human values and inspiring us to embrace and celebrate our freedom. By challenging young creatives to explore notions of freedom we will use the festival to highlight current issues prevalent in society that impact the lives of young people.”

What inspired the festival?

The month of June 2019 marks 43 years since the 1976 Soweto uprisings, where scores of youths were arrested and incarcerated in the prisons on Constitution Hill. For the past seven years, Constitution Hill has commemorated the youth of 1976, through a celebration of creative expression at its annual Basha Uhuru Freedom Festival. 

"Constitution Hill is a national Heritage site that provides a space for us to remember our past, understand our present and imagine our future. It reflects a profound sense of humanity, activism and a deep yearning for justice,” Robertson concluded.

The event is made possible by Constitution Hill in partnership with Nando’s, the Department of Arts and Culture, Brand SA, Gauteng Tourism, Gauteng Department of Economic Development, Business Arts South Africa, the Gauteng Film Commission and the Gauteng Enterprise Propeller.

All events are free, apart from the music concert. Tickets to the music event can be purchased via the Basha Uhuru Freedom Festival website. The full festival programme is also available on the website.