When Hennessy and Back To The City join forces, you know the culture is in good hands. Now in its 19th year, Africa’s biggest hip-hop festival once again raised the bar, celebrating legacy, lyricism, and lifestyle in a way only Hennessy and hip-hop can.
Last year, the festival made global headlines by bringing Benny The Butcher from Buffalo, New York. This year, they did it again, securing none other than Lupe Fiasco, a lyrical craftsman whose pen glides like a pour of Hennessy XO. Aged in wisdom, layered with meaning, and perfected with patience, Lupe’s set embodied the same excellence and depth that define Hennessy’s own legacy. His verses didn’t just entertain; they aged in the mind, revealing new notes with every reflection.
The celebration began in Sandton, where Hennessy hosted an exclusive pre-festival gathering that brought together some of South Africa’s most influential cultural figures, from Scoop Makhathini and Boity to LootLove, Fratpacker, and The Sobering Podcast crew. It was a room charged with energy and anticipation, the perfect prelude to what awaited in Newtown.
Once at the venue, the Hennessy VIP Deck stood as the heartbeat of sophistication, a vantage point for the culture’s tastemakers. Positioned right beside the main stage, it offered a panoramic view of the festival while serving the finest pours and conversations about the past, present, and future of hip-hop.
Then came one of the night’s defining moments, Hennessy friend of the house, Maglera Doe Boy’s performance. With every verse, he embodied the boldness and refinement of Hennessy. His storytelling carried both township authenticity and universal resonance, bridging worlds the same way Hennessy has connected cultures across generations. His set was more than a show; it was a salute to growth, resilience, and artistic excellence in South African hip-hop.
Despite the rain, 18,000 fans stood firm, proof of the movement’s unwavering loyalty. From ZuluMecca to Tuks Senganga, the lineup represented the full spectrum of hip-hop artistry, lyricists, innovators, and legends all sharing one stage.
Back To The City continues to evolve, refining its presentation while staying true to its roots. Together with Hennessy, a partner for the last five years, the festival isn’t just curating events; it’s curating history. If 2025 was about celebrating Lupe Fiasco’s brilliance, perhaps 2026 will be the year they bring Nas or Wu-Tang Clan to South Africa.
Because this partnership isn’t just about music, it’s about legacy. And like a fine cognac, the culture only gets richer with time.