Back 2The City Returns

Freedom Day in Johannesburg coincides with the annual Hip Hop culture event, Back 2 the city.  Known for combining raw and seasoned hip hop talent from all over South Africa, the much anticipated Back 2the City took place under the M1 Bridge, just next to Mary Fitzgerald Square in Newtown. The parking lot and driveway under the bridge was enclosed to create space for the audience, and at R30 a head the turn out was impressive.Sponsored by MTN and HYPE Magazine, the venue was packed to capacity with clothing items, accessories, mixtapes and albums - all available at affordable prices.   
Jozi's Hip Hop heads perceive Back 2 the City as a form of Hip Hop heaven. Why? Because it includes all the elements of Hip Hop culture:  MCs, B-boys, Graffiti artists, Skaters and Djs. In fact, Newtown is one of the few areas in Jo'burg where Graffiti is allowed by council, setting the stage for talented graffiti artists to do their thing - legally - on the pillars that hold the M1 Bridge together.
These pillars have been painted annually during the Back 2 the City event since 2007. Few surely would question just how much life and colour the event has added to this corner of the city.    
"This is the 3rd successful Back to the city that we have organized and we are thankful for the support from fellow Hip Hop heads and we can look forward to many more to come in the future" says Osmic Menoe, one of the organizers and Ritual Stores' owner/founder in Newtown. Menoe has put in legendary work on the event every year, haggling with local business associations and the like to make sure they accept hip hop as an authentic culture and also continually hustling for funding.
The performance line up featured a lengthy list of talented MCs from all over the country, such as Notshi, Leniandro, Smerf, Driemanskaap and many more. All in all it was the ideal way for youth to celebrate freedom - in honest, street level style. 

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