Commemorating 50 Years of Youth Activism & Creative Freedom
Press Release
CONSTITUTION HILL
Constitution Hill’s Basha Uhuru Freedom Festival is back.
Commemorating 50 Years of Youth Activism & Creative Freedom
Constitution Hill’s Basha Uhuru Freedom Festival is back.
Johannesburg’s anticipated creative festival returns from 24–27 June 2026 for its 14th anniversary edition, with exciting new programme partners for the commemoration of Youth Month.
Basha Uhuru Freedom Festival is a legacy signature event and memorial that honours the youth who fought for freedom and justice in South Africa, and those who lost their lives during the June 16 youth uprising.
This year’s theme is: Commemorating 50 years of Youth Activism and Creative Freedom
The 2026 festival has been curated to speak to young people throughout the month of June through various programmes that support learning, skills development, talent nurturing, networking, collaboration, creativity and important conversations affecting the creative sector.
For more information, PRESS AND PR ENQUIRIES PLEASE CONTACT: Melanie Ramjee, TuTone Communications: melanie@tutonecommunications.com / 084 682 3457
Creative Conference
A gathering of young creatives, activists, cultural workers and entrepreneurs for talks, workshops, masterclasses and conversations that ask what freedom means in 2026 and how the next generation can shape South Africa’s future.
Art Exhibition
A public art and creative legacy programme, with the 2026 edition honouring Maria McCloy through a new mural by Lazi Mathebula at Constitution Hill.
Visions of Freedom Film Festival
A showcase of local filmmakers using documentary, fiction and animation to explore identity, protest, memory, womanhood, queer freedom and the unfinished work of liberation.
Curated Market
A platform for local makers, food vendors, fashion labels, designers and creative entrepreneurs to connect with festival audiences and showcase South African creativity in action.
Sounds of Freedom Music Festival
A full-day celebration of music, movement and creative freedom, bringing together iconic performers, new-wave talent, local culture, food, fashion and the Curated Market.
A Festival of Youth Power, Creativity and Cultural Memory
Basha Uhuru is known for its Creative Conference programme, starting on 24 June, which precedes the Sounds of Freedom Music Festival — a one-day music festival that attracts music lovers, young people, change-makers and Gauteng’s creative community to celebrate all things creative.
The annual music festival will be hosted at Constitution Hill’s newest venue, People’s Park, opening at 10h00.
Visitors are invited to spend the day supporting performances by emerging artists, exploring the Creative Youth Expo, engaging with designers of locally made fashion and goods at the Curated Market, visiting museum exhibitions, and resonating with South Africa’s liberation heritage through creative culture.
“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 Ramakgopa, MEC: Gauteng Economic Development, Agriculture and Rural Development
Basha Uhuru Legacy Award
The Basha Uhuru Legacy Award was created to recognise and celebrate South African artists who have driven creative freedom through music.
These artists are honoured as music icons whose work remains timeless within South Africa’s heritage and culture.
Previous winners include:
- 2022: Mandla Spikiri
- 2023: Thebe
- 2024: Alaska
- 2025: Boom Shaka
- 2026: TBA
Sounds of Freedom Music Festival Line-Up
Don’t miss Mzansi’s star talent on the Sounds of Freedom Music Festival main stage, including:
Nasty C | Zee Nxumalo | DJ Tira | Bucie | DJ Cleo | Skwatta Kamp | Lia Butler | OSMIC | HitBossSA | Atmos Blaq and Maline Aura | Lochive | Plus upcoming local talent
Date: 27 June 2026
Time: 10h00 – 02h00
Venue: People’s Park, Constitution Hill
Creative Uprising and Youth Development
“Basha Uhuru’s and ConHill’s Creative Uprising always-on programme delivers capacity-building programming that unlocks potential and empowers youth through the event’s Creative Conference. The conference brings thought-provoking dialogues, masterclasses and design workshops to its audience and allows for knowledge sharing. The event and concert create market access opportunities for MSMEs at the Gauteng Curated Makers Market and generate approximately 150 gig work opportunities for local artists, production crew, content creators and more. The Creative Conference programme will also accommodate approximately 600 youth during the three-day event.” ~ Reuben Pasha, Education, Heritage and Public Programmes Manager, Constitution Hill
Maria McCloy Mural Unveiling
Basha Uhuru will unveil a special mural honouring celebrated designer, publicist and creative icon Maria McCloy.
Maria held a 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 in 2025.
The mural is designed by accomplished local artist and creative maker Lazi Mathebula, who is well recognised for his unique style both in South Africa and globally.
The mural will sit next to that of South African music legend Bra Hugh Masekela on the public-facing mural wall along Joubert Street at Constitution Hill.
Joburg Tourism Partnership
“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.”; “As we commemorate 50 years since the 1976 Soweto Uprising, we are equally focused on the future — supporting youth-led innovation, strengthening SMMEs and showcasing Johannesburg as Africa’s leading hub for both business and leisure tourism.” ~ Belu Mabandla, Executive Head: Destination Marketing & Events, Joburg Tourism Company
1976@50 Youth Summit on the Hill
24 & 25 June 2026
Constitutionalism in Action: Youth Shaping the Next 30 Years
Format: Closed sessions
Presented by: WeThePeopleSA and Chapter 9 institutions
Under the theme “Constitutionalism in Action: Youth Shaping the Next 30 Years”, the summit seeks to reposition young people not merely as beneficiaries of democracy, but as active custodians, participants and builders of South Africa’s constitutional future.
The summit responds to several interconnected challenges identified nationally and within WeThePeopleSA’s theory of change.
Thirty-two years into democracy, South Africa faces a critical paradox: young people inherit one of the world’s most progressive constitutions while simultaneously enduring acute inequality, unemployment and democratic disillusionment.
As South Africa approaches 30 years of the Constitution and the 50th anniversary of the 1976 uprising, we are reminded that the fight for dignity remains unfinished business.
Honouring that legacy means ensuring the radical courage of 1976 and the rights enshrined in the Constitution co-exist as active drivers for change, rather than historical artefacts.
At the same time, a powerful opportunity exists: today’s youth are not passive. They continue organising, mobilising and creating change across climate justice, education, gender equity, community activism and entrepreneurship.
By connecting memory with constitutional values, the platform will empower young people to transform systemic frustration into practical civic action — building a socially cohesive and prosperous South Africa where no young person is left behind.
Visions of Freedom Film Festival
25 June 2026
Time: 17h30 – 21h00 | Attendance: Free
A New Generation.
A New Language of Freedom.
The Visions of Freedom Film Festival returns as part of Basha Uhuru Creative Week, bringing together local films that explore memory, protest, identity, womanhood, queer freedom, cultural expression and the unfinished work of liberation.
In 2026, Basha Uhuru commemorates 50 Years of Youth Activism & Creative Freedom. The film programme forms part of that broader reflection, asking:
How do we remember freedom?
Through documentary, fiction and animation, the festival creates a platform for filmmakers whose work speaks to South Africa’s past, present and future — from historical memory and land justice to intimacy, belonging, self-expression and cultural pride.
How do we remember freedom in 2026?
26 June 2026
Presented by iQhawe Magazine | Time: 10h00 – 17h00 | Attendance: Free
Back to the Future: Remembering Freedom in 2026
This full-day conference speaks to topics such as:
The Women Who Opened the Door
An intergenerational conversation reflecting on 70 years since women marched and demanded visibility, dignity and agency.
The Youth Who Refused Silence
A youth assembly asking: What must change in the next 30 years?
Reflecting on the spirit of 1976, the session asks what youth resistance looks like now — from protests to TikTok, independent publishing, digital protest and cultural organising.
Music Masterclass
26 June 2026
Presented by Groove Academy | Time: 10h00 – 17h00 | Attendance: Free
Want to get paid every time your music plays, streams or sells?
Want to get paid every time your music plays, streams or sells?
The Music Masterclass brings the decision-makers to you.
The programme includes:
- SAMPRA for needle-time royalties
- SAMRO for performance royalties
- CAPASSO for mechanical and digital royalties
- RISA for label representation and anti-piracy
- Non Club Record Bar on physical distribution and vinyl culture
- Royalty Mate on tracking and admin
- Radio 101 on how radio actually picks music
No fluff — just direct answers on registration, splits, claims and getting your music heard and paid.
If you are serious about owning your career, pull up.
Theatre
26 June 2026
Presented byBy Masingita Masunga | Time: 18h00 – 19h00 | Venue: Women’s Jail
50 Years On: Aluta Must No Continua
Inspired by George Twala’s story, the production challenges the repeated chant “Aluta Continua”, echoing across generations, and repositions it as a warning rather than a victory slogan.
Fifty years later, the play asks:
If the struggle has become a permanent condition, did we win — or did we inherit unfinished freedom?
WordUP Basha
26 June 2026
Presented by WordUP Sessions | Time: 19h00 – 22h00 | Venue: Women’s Jail | Attendance: Free
Words of Freedom Poetry Showcase
Kick off your weekend by joining Basha Uhuru for this immersive live poetry session that brings meaningful art through words to the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the June 16 youth uprising.
Let the movement that moved youth for freedom of choice create visions for the future for youth in South Africa.
Curated by Sabelo Soko, this powerful gathering features:
- Mak Manaka
- Xabiso Vili
- Modise Sekgothe
- Solly Ramatswi
- Torsten Rybka
- Tshepo Molefe
- Zama Madinana
These artists continue to push the boundaries of poetry as a tool for social dialogue, identity, healing and transformation.
Sounds of Freedom Music Festival
No under 18s. Tickets
27 June 2026
Time: 10h00 – 02h00 | Venue: People’s Park, Constitution Hill
The Annual Sounds of Freedom Music Festival
The Sounds of Freedom Music Festival closes Basha Uhuru with a full-day celebration of music, art, food, fashion and creative culture.
Patrons are invited to experience art, the makers market and creative expo while enjoying good food, music and fashion.
Don’t miss Mzansi’s star talent on the main stage, including:
Nasty C | Zee Nxumalo | DJ Tira | Bucie | DJ Cleo | Skwatta Kamp | Lia Butler | OSMIC | HitBossSA | Atmos Blaq and Maline Aura | Lochive | Plus upcoming local talent
Makers Market x The Collab Space
The Curated Makers Market & Live Entertainment
Curated Market gives local makers, food vendors, fashion labels, designers and creative entrepreneurs a platform to connect with festival audiences and showcase South African creativity in action.
The Creative Uprising
Basha Uhuru forms part of Constitution Hill’s broader Creative Uprising programme.
The Creative Uprising brings together Constitution Hill’s creative community to exhibit, profile and support those working in the creative sector. It creates a point of focus and celebration for Gauteng’s creative community.
The Creative Uprising is a youth movement connected to a creative, open-minded and often non-conforming community, placing Constitution Hill at the epicentre of urban culture inspired by music, art and youth expression.
Launched in 2020, the Creative Uprising supports creatives, makers, artisans, craftspeople, illustrators, entertainers, artists and digital designers through access to:
- Studio spaces
- Business support
- Education
- Market access
- Networking
- Platforms for creative expression
Elements of the programme, including seminars, masterclasses, dialogues and capacity-building initiatives, take place throughout the year.
The festival targets creative enrichment and development, rather than commercial outcomes, leveraging resources for maximum social and cultural impact.
