Back to the City Festival calls on unsigned Gauteng artists with ready-to-release music
If you’re an emerging artist sitting on a finished album or EP that’s yet to hit digital platforms, this is your time.
Back to the City Festival, South Africa’s largest celebration of hip-hop and youth culture, has just launched an exciting call for artists’ campaign, inviting 50 unsigned, Gauteng-based artists to submit their music for a digital distribution opportunity.
Running from June 25 to 30, this initiative is designed to help artists who already have fully recorded projects but haven’t yet released them on platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, and more.
Who is eligible?
This opportunity is open to:
- Artists aged 18 to 35
- Based in Gauteng
- Unsigned (not currently signed to a record label)
- With a completed album or EP
- Owning full rights to their original music
All genres are welcome, from hip-hop and R&B to soul, gospel, trap, and alternative. Whether you’re a solo act, a group, a trio, or a choir, this call is open to diverse voices ready to take the digital leap.
What you’ll get
Selected artists will receive:
- A 1-day music rights workshop led by industry experts
- Full digital distribution of one album or EP to all major platforms (Spotify, iTunes, YouTube Music, etc.)
- Support with your EPK (Electronic Press Kit)
- 100% ownership of royalties and streaming income
This is more than just exposure, it’s an investment in your independence as an artist.
To apply, email streamgauteng@gmail.com with:
- A short artist profile
- One MP3 single (only 1 track)
- Your full name and surname
- Your location (where you are from)
- All contact details (phone number and email)
Only send one email per artist, multiple submissions will not be accepted.
Founded in 2007, Back to the City has grown into a cornerstone of South Africa’s hip-hop movement, attracting over 25,000 fans to Mary Fitzgerald Square each year. It’s not just a festival, it’s a platform for cultural expression, education, and elevation.
With past performances from local heavyweights and international legends alike, and a strong partnership with the Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Back to the City continues to invest in the next generation of music talent.
Their Hip-Hop Summit and artist development programmes have already helped countless creatives understand the business of music, from publishing and performance rights to branding and distribution.
Why this matters
For many independent artists, digital distribution can feel overwhelming, expensive, complicated, and confusing. This initiative provides a clear, guided path to getting your music onto global platforms, earning revenue, and presenting yourself professionally to the world.
Plus, with the backing of a respected institution like Back to the City, selected artists will gain visibility, credibility, and community support.
If you’re an independent Gauteng-based artist who has a full body of work ready to release, don’t miss this opportunity. It’s not often that an established cultural platform steps forward to help bridge the gap between studio and streaming.
