Constitution Hill’s Basha Uhuru Freedom Festival returns in spectacular fashion with its flagship Sounds of Freedom Concert, an annual celebration of youth, creativity, and cultural expression. Now in its 13th edition, the festival continues to blend music, fashion, art, and entrepreneurship into one of Gauteng’s most anticipated cultural gatherings.
🌍 A Festival with Deep Roots in South African History
Founded in 2012, the Basha Uhuru Freedom Festival was created to immortalise the youth of 1976, whose courage during the Soweto Uprising secured the right to freedom of choice and expression. Hosted at Constitution Hill – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former prison complex that once held icons such as Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi – the festival bridges South Africa’s historic struggle for freedom with the youth’s modern creative revolution.
Over the years, Basha Uhuru has grown into a cultural institution, serving as a platform for emerging creatives, entrepreneurs, and performers across music, fashion, film, and design — all while boosting Gauteng’s creative economy and positioning Johannesburg as Africa’s creative capital.
🎶 The Sounds of Freedom Concert: 13 September 2025
This year’s theme — “Celebrating the Legacy of Creative Expression” — comes alive with an electric line-up of some of South Africa’s most loved performers and rising stars:
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Khuli Chana – Motswako pioneer and hip-hop legend
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Pabi Cooper – amapiano powerhouse and youth culture icon
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Mthandeni SK – maskandi sensation with deep cultural roots
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Kid Fonque – tastemaker DJ and genre-bending producer
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Lamiez Holworthy – the queen of decks, mixing house and hip hop
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Toss – amapiano hitmaker keeping township grooves alive
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DJ Cndo – Durban’s first lady of house music
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Jahseed & Admiral – reggae and dancehall heavyweights
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Que DJ – amapiano spinner bringing township anthems to life
✨ The highlight? A special legacy performance by Boom Shaka, recipients of the 2025 Basha Uhuru Sounds of Freedom Legacy Award. The iconic kwaito group will celebrate their enduring impact on South African music.
👗 Fashion Meets Music: A First for Basha Uhuru
In a groundbreaking move, the 2025 Sounds of Freedom Festival will feature its first-ever fashion show at 18h00, presented by the newly launched Sophie Ndaba Fashion Hub.
The showcase will merge music, design, and cultural expression with performances by DJ/designer Maria McCloy, spotlighting South Africa’s emerging designers alongside established fashion icons.
Founded by actress and philanthropist Sophie Ndaba in June 2025, the hub aims to mentor young designers, drive business development in the fashion sector, and elevate local talent onto global platforms.
“This is more than a fashion show – it’s a celebration of creativity, culture, and collaboration,” says Ndaba.
🎨 More Than Music: A Full-Day Festival
The Basha Uhuru Freedom Festival opens its gates at 10:00 AM, offering:
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Curated Makers Market – featuring artisans, crafters, and local entrepreneurs
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Cultural installations & live art – showcasing Jozi’s creative pulse
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Networking spaces & creative dialogues – fostering collaboration among young professionals
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Youth talent showcases – highlighting new voices in the arts and business
By day, it’s a family-friendly space of discovery and learning. By night, it transforms into an explosive live concert, celebrating South Africa’s dynamic soundscape.
🎟️ Ticket Information
Tickets are available now via Webtickets.
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🎟️ General Access: R150
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👶 Children under 12: Free entry
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🚗 Parking: Secure parking available
Date: Saturday, 13 September 2025
Venue: Constitution Hill, Johannesburg
Time: 10:00 AM until late
🗣️ What They’re Saying
“We are proud to be a museum that is prioritising contributing to community and creativity through the Basha Uhuru Festival. The Sounds of Freedom Concert brings rising stars to the stage and delivers some of Mzansi’s biggest artists to our audience for the 2025 edition!”
– Leah Mabusela, CEO of Constitution Hill
💡 Why Basha Uhuru Matters
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Youth Empowerment: Creates opportunities for young creatives to showcase and monetise their talent.
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Economic Growth: Supports Gauteng’s creative industries through training, market access, and exposure.
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Cultural Legacy: Keeps the spirit of 1976 alive while inspiring today’s youth to embrace creativity as freedom.
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Tourism Boost: Positions Johannesburg as a leading destination for cultural tourism in Africa.
Supported by: The Gauteng Department of Economic Development, Gauteng Growth and Development Agency, City of Johannesburg Arts Alive, Johannesburg Tourism Company, Gauteng Tourism Authority, and the Gautrain Management Agency.
📱 Stay Connected
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🌐 Website: www.bashauhuru.co.za
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📸 Instagram: @Constitution_Hill
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📘 Facebook: Constitution Hill (South Africa)
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✖️ X: @VisitConHill
