The Basha Uhuru Freedom Fest, which takes place from 21 – 25 June, is going to be jammed packed with expression of artistic wealth among the youth of Mzansi. It is a must-attend event for creatives across all artistic disciplines. Make sure you attend or you will miss out on nice things.
In its 5th year, the Basha Uhuru Freedom Fest is focused on empowering youth in creative industries by affording them platforms for freedom of artistic expression. The event will feature a five day programme which entails a contemporary group art exhibition titled “Expressions of Freedom”, followed by the “Conversations of Freedom” creative talks. Then there is “Visions of Freedom” is a film screenings sponsored by the Gauteng Film Commission and Rides of Freedom youth cycling tour which will link up various youth cultural hubs in the city.
All these activities lead up to main attraction of the festival which is the Sounds of Freedom music concert featuring a diverse line-up of both emerging and established musical talent from across the country. The Locrate Family Picnic will be a fusion of food, fashion, and craft – providing trading opportunities for small businesses and micro-sized enterprises.
The music concert, funded by the Department of Arts & Culture and Nando’s, is set for the 24th of June and will be staged in two different venues within the Constitution Hill museum precinct. The main stage will feature a musical blend of contemporary South African musicians including live performances and DJs which will entertain the youth as they salute the youth of 1976 and celebrate 21 years of the Constitution. The second stage will be hosted by Afropunk who will be hosting the African edition of this influential international festival at Constitution Hill on the 30th and 31st of December.
It’s a free concert, but you’ll need to get a ticket to gain entrance: http://www.webtickets.co.za/event.aspx?itemid=1472018826
The line-up from 21-25 June 2017:
Conversations of Freedom: Creative Talks by www.10and5.com
Date: Wednesday 21 June 2017
Time: 18h00-21h00
Speakers: artist Anthea Moys; Tumelo Kgwathe AKA DJ Sistamtic; artist Lazi Mathebula; architect Lorenzo Nassimbei, stylist Lufuno Sathekge, comedian Loyiso Madinga, photographer Kgomotso Tleane; director Zandi Tisani
Venue: Constitution Hill, Women’s Gaol
Expressions of Freedom: Art Exhibition
Date: Thursday 22 June 2017
Time: 18h00-21h00
Artists: Nompumelelo Tshabalala, Zanele Mashinini, Bambo Sibiya, Victor Dlamini; Lazi “Greiispaces” Mathebula, Leeroy Jason and Anthea Moys
Venue: Constitution Hill, Women’s Gaol
Visions of Freedom: Film Screenings
Date: 23 June 2017
Time: 18h00-22h00
Movies: Kalushi, The Hangman; Beyond The River and Uprize
Venues: Constitution Hill, Women’s Gaol
Rides of Freedom: Heritage Cycling Tour
Date: 24 June 2017
Time: 09h00 – 13h00
Venue: Constitution Hill at Fixin Diaries
Sounds of Freedom: Market @ The Fort & Basha Uhuru Music Concert
Date: 24 June 2017
Time: 12h00-00h00
Artists & DJs: Thandiswa Mazwai ; Stogie T; Zola; Sjava; BCUC; Gigi Lamayne ; Dope Saint Jude; Kly ;Ms Cosmo; DJSpeedsta; IAMPH; Twins On Decks; DJKenzhero; 2Lee Stark; Uno July ; Johnny Cradle ; Urban Village ; Melo B Jones; Bye Beneco; Mpho Sebina; DJ Coppashot & Bobotical; Rosie Parade ; Andrew the DJ ; Danger Ingozi ; King B ;DJ Zero; Osmic; Rhythm Sessions; Tha Muzik; Sistamatik ; Yugen Blakrok; Mvette Black; DJ Zwai; DBN Gogo; Chuck Taylored.
Venue: Constitution Square/Marshalling Yard/Parade Ground (Various venues at Constitution Hill)
Let’s Get Free: AFROPUNK Stage
Date: Saturday 24 June 2017
Time: 16:00 – 22:45
Artists & DJs: DOOKOOM; Demogoroth Satanum; Radio123; TCIYF; DJ Doowap
Venue: Marshalling Yard
Locrate Family Picnic & Comedy
Date: Sunday 25 June 2017
Time: 11h00-17h00
Comedians: Mashabela and Mpho Popps
Music: Nonku Phiri, Thandi Ntuli and Sound Supreme DJs: Just Themba, Kenzhero, Tha Music & Rhythm Sessions
Venue: Constitution Hill, Women’s Gaol Courtyard Lawns
Between 12h00 and 16h00 on Saturday and Sunday art and design installations alongside the stages will showcase more South African creativity.
For more info on the festival and activities, visit www.bashauhuru.co.za.
https://www.constitutionhill.org.za/events
Facebook: ConHill – www.facebook.com/Constitution.Hill
Basha: www.facebook.com/BashaUhuruFest
Twitter: ConHill – www.twitter.com/VisitConhill
Basha: www.twitter.com/BashaUhur
(Basha Uhuru Freedom Fest is supported by Nando’s; Department Of Arts and Culture; JoBurg Tourism Company; Gauteng Film Commission; Gauteng Tourism Authority; AFROPUNK; Tshepo 1 Million; Brand SA.)
Holding picture: Urban Village at the Basha Uhuru media launch in Johannesburg, 14 June 2017.
Photo credit: Leeroy Jason
