BABYG!RL ZAE is still riding the high of Back to the City Festival. The Emtee Records artist shared a reel from the 20th anniversary edition on Instagram on Tuesday, 13 October 2026, thanking the festival and signalling that she wants to be back next year.
Her message
Tagging the festival, she wrote: “You Were Super Amazing – Till We Meet Next Year Again!” The reel credits videographer @nsl.karmaa and photographer @katkreativewrld_.
A triple milestone in Newtown
The 20th edition took place on Saturday, 10 October, at Mary Fitzgerald Square in Newtown, Johannesburg, under the theme “Against All Odds.” It marked three anniversaries at once: 20 years of Back to the City, 50 years since the 1976 Youth Uprising and 140 years of the City of Johannesburg.
Beyond the music, the festival featured graffiti, fashion, food, MC and DJ battles, skateboarding, basketball and gaming, which is why it is regarded as one of Africa’s biggest hip-hop gatherings.
The lineup
International acts included Detroit pioneers Slum Village, Ab-Soul and the duo Blu & Exile. They shared the bill with Cassper Nyovest, Emtee, Blxckie, Stogie T, Reason, Tuks, Touchline and many other established and emerging artists.
ZAE’s moment
Billed as BABYG!RL ZAE (also BABYGIRL ZAE) and known as the First Lady of Emtee Records, she brought her energetic trap style to the Newtown crowd, a notable stage for a rising name.
A busy 2026 so far
Her festival slot adds to a strong run. After her 2025 all-female project MATR!ARCHY and her collaboration with Emtee on “Manje,” she released “Tlean,” featuring Sastii, in August.
Looking ahead
Her post suggests she is already eyeing the 2027 edition, as many artists and fans are. Two decades in, Back to the City continues to bring together generations of artists, creativity and the communities behind hip-hop culture.
