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Events · 19 Oct 2025

Hennessy Back to the City 2025: Celebrating African Artistry

Hennessy Back to the City 2025: Celebrating African Artistry

Hennessy, the world’s leading cognac with an undeniable legacy in the culture, returned as a partner of Africa’s biggest hip-hop and street culture festival, Back to the City, marking another year of celebrating African artistry and urban culture.

Now in its 19th year, Back to the City once again transformed Mary Fitzgerald Square in Newtown, Johannesburg, under the theme “Power in Numbers.” As expected, the festival lived up to its name, drawing together the energy of music, art, fashion, and street culture into one unforgettable night.

Hennessy Back to the City: Event Highlights

With over 100 artists on stage, 40 graffiti legends leaving their colourful mark, eight producers showcasing beats, 120 clothing stalls, 20 food vendors, and 15 interactive brand activations, the scale of the festival was unmatched. At the centre of it all, Hennessy reaffirmed its role as both a cultural leader and a champion of African artistry.

Twiggy Moli and Boity Thulo laughing and enjoying the Hennessy VIP deck at a festival event in Johannesburg.
South African media personality Scoop Makhathini holding a red Hennessy cup, posing in stylish streetwear against a bright red 'HENNYTHING IS POSSIBLE' backdrop.
Influencers Neliswa Ngada and Naledi Malella clinking red Hennessy cups together and laughing in front of a red neon sign.
A wide shot of the main stage during a rainy performance at the Back to the City Festival, clearly showing the Hennessy and festival branding.
A wide shot of the main stage during a rainy performance at the Back to the City Festival, clearly showing the festival branding.

Public Viewing Experience

The Hennessy Public Viewing Area (PVA), open to all attendees, was a lively destination where fans connected with the brand and the culture.

Throughout the event, festival-goers enjoyed signature Hennessy cocktails from the bar, tested their skills at the interactive games, creating an immersive space that captured the lifestyle and spirit of hip-hop in true Hennessy style.

Exclusive Hennessy Back to the City VIP Experience

Alongside the PVA, Hennessy also hosted an exclusive VIP for Friends of House and cultural tastemakers, who were treated with Maison-level hospitality and delicious drinks in a space that became a hub for connection, creativity, and community.

South African rapper Maglera Doe Boy sitting on the counter of the Hennessy VIP deck, holding a bottle of Hennessy Cognac.
Media personality Luthando 'Loot Love' Shosha sitting on a red bench wearing distressed denim pants in front of the 'HENNYTHING IS POSSIBLE' neon sign.
South African rapper Loatinover Pounds squats on a red platform holding a Hennessy can, posing in front of a neon sign that reads 'HENNYTHING IS POSSIBLE'.
Aerial view of the large, multi-level VIP deck and branded structure at an outdoor festival event in Johannesburg.
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Performances

The key moment of the night came when Friend of the House Maglera Doe Boy took to the stage. This Hennessy moment lit up Mary Fitzgerald Square with striking visuals, surging crowd energy, and a performance that personified the spirit of the culture.

Meanwhile, this year’s headliner was Grammy Award-winning rapper Lupe Fiasco, who amplified the event’s global resonance with songs such as ‘The Show Goes On’, ‘Kick Push’, and ‘Paris, Tokyo’. His presence also supported Hennessy’s steadfast commitment to infusing hip-hop into South African culture.

Hennessy Back to the City Cultural Impact

‘Hennessy has always aspired to integrate itself as a cultural icon that transcends the category. Back to the City is where music, art, and community collide, and we’re proud to create experiences that bring people together, celebrate talent, and keep the culture thriving.’

~ Lungile Mpharu, Brand Manager at Hennessy South Africa.

A group of stylish South African hip-hop and fashion figures posing together on a grand red staircase at a event.
South African personality Boity Thulo relaxing on a plush pink sofa on the VIP deck, holding a red Hennessy cup.
South African creatives African Ginger and Uncle Partytime sitting side-by-side on a red bench in front of the 'HENNYTHING IS POSSIBLE' neon sign.

Not surprisingly, the Hennessy PVA drew some of South Africa’s most influential voices across music, fashion, and media. Cultural icons and leading personalities such as Luthando “Lootlove” Shosha, Boity, and Mateki2Shoes, joined the experience, enjoying the best view of the stage from the VIP Hennessy deck.

Stay Connected with Hennessy Back to the City

For more updates on Hennessy’s cultural initiatives and future events, follow Hennessy on Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and Facebook to stay connected with South Africa’s vibrant hip-hop and street culture scene.

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