Back 2 The City Festival

The Back To The City Youth Festival Freedom day of autumn 2011 will bring in the fifth annual youth festival “Back to the City” taking place outside Ritual Stores Newtown, Johannesburg. Featuring artists representing the pinnacle of artistic expression from South Africa, this unique youth event has grown into the largest public display of both commercial and underground hip hop in South Africa, presenting a day of live music, street art, break-dancing, art installation, skateboarding, film, street fashion, gaming, speakers and panel discussions. From the daytime events to the nightly performances, this is one time that the inner city comes alive with true freedom of expression providing a destination for hip hop fans, artists and industry related individuals to converge and celebrate the experience of hip hop and youth culture. The day began with an educational summit offering an exchange of knowledge from industry gurus working within the media, advertising and music business arenas. The aim of these workshops was to effectively empower the artist with as much knowledge to enable her/him to efficiently administrate their career and brand growth. We wanted to utilize the culture as a tool to encourage critical thinking, social change and unity while empowering communities through media, arts, education and independent initiatives. Topics such as Publishing, Distribution, Recording, Independent versus Mainstream, Funding, and Entrepreneurship were openly discussed allowing audience members the chance to actively engage speakers, facilitating access to resources as well as empowering the youth with valuable knowledge. These sessions took place at OST. Live performances and dj’s entertained throughout the day while graffiti artists utilized the surrounding street walls as their canvasses, creating colorful masterpieces in the city. The Second stage facilitated b-boying/dance workshops and showcases throughout the day while skateboarders were also present showing off their street skills. ATTANDANCE YEARLY 2007=3 500 PEOPLE 2008=4 500 PEOPLE 2009=8 000 PEOPLE 2010=9 000 PEOPLE 2011=11500 People 100% annual increase DATE:27 APRIL 2012 WILL SEE YOU THERE!!!!!! Email:ritualstores@gmail.com for more info Facebook: Back to the city festival Addres: Corner Bree and Henry Nxumalo Newtown 111 Ritual store