Khulane Morule, fondly known as Khuli Chana, is one of the co-founders and curator of the Maftown Heights Festival. Picture: Instagram
After months of anticipation, the organisers of Maftown Heights Festival have announced the date for the highly anticipated event which is set to take place on November 29, at Mary Fitzgerald Square in Newtown.
It’s time to prepare for the eagerly awaited return of the iconic Motswako festival. This year's event brings icons and new talent together for a historic reunion.
For those who missed attending during the festival’s reign, this is a chance to embrace the future while revisiting the past with the original fans.
The announcement of the festival's return followed the success of the four-part documentary Maftown Heights Untold Stories, by rapper Khuli Chana, which aired in June 2024 and detailed the festival's history and impact, bringing the team back from a brief hiatus.
Now, the festival returns for a day of celebrating hip-hop culture and the Motswako movement. It promises an unforgettable experience that will not only be a celebration, but also a tribute to the cultural heritage of Motswako.
Since its inception, Maftown Heights has been a cultural mainstay, evolving into a powerhouse platform that has hosted South Africa’s finest talents, including the late HHP, AKA, and Riky Rick.
This year’s festival returns bigger and bolder, with a line-up that honours its past while shaping the future, introducing "NuTswako" artists who are championing the Motswako sound.
Maglera Doe Boy will hold the baton as this year’s festival curator alongside the iconic Khuli Chana.
“We are thrilled to return with a reunion edition of Maftown Heights,” shares Khuli Chana and Refiloe Ramogase, the co-founders of the festival.
They add that Maftown Heights is more than just a festival, it is a movement that continues to inspire and shape youth culture in South Africa.
“This reunion is our way of reflecting on the journey of Motswako and celebrating the new wave of talent that keeps the culture alive,” they say.
Festival goers can expect a fusion of music, fashion, and food. Maftown Heights embodies a spirit of unity, uniqueness, and creative expression, and these qualities will be celebrated through various events that bring the Motswako magic to life in addition to its performers.
Early bird ticket sales go live this Friday, October 4.
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