Johannesburg, Monday, 10 June 2024 – Maftown Heights, the premier South African hip-hop festival, is proud to announce the release of a compelling new 4-part documentary series titled ‘Maftown Heights Untold Stories’. The documentary, set to premiere this Saturday, 15 June 2024 at 16:00 on Channel O (with subsequent episodes released weekly), delves into the rich history, cultural significance, and behind-the-scenes moments of one of Africa’s most iconic music events.
Established in 2009, Maftown Heights is one of Africa’s leading hip-hop festivals, known for its vibrant performances, diverse line-up, and commitment to showcasing the best of African hip-hop talent. Over the years, it has become a cultural landmark, attracting thousands of fans and artists from across the continent.
‘Maftown Heights Untold Stories’ explores the festival's journey from its humble beginnings to becoming a powerhouse in the African hip-hop scene. Through exclusive interviews, never-before-seen footage, and personal stories from artists, organisers, and friends of the brand, the documentary provides an intimate look at the festival's impact on the music industry and its role in shaping the careers of many celebrated artists.
Executive Produced by Khuli Chana and Refiloe Ramogase, co-produced by RefRam Productions and Molotov Cocktail, with musical score by Towdee Mac: The ‘Maftown Heights Untold Stories’ is a celebration of the hip-hop culture that has shaped and been shaped by the diverse communities of South Africa, in particular, Maftown. The documentary also serves as a reminder that storytelling in Africa is not merely an art form; it is a crucial vessel for preserving culture, history, and identity.
"Maftown Heights Untold Stories has been in the works since 2020. It’s been a labour of love and a celebration of the cultural tapestry that has shaped the South African music scene. We aim to honour the legacy of the artists who have inspired a generation (some of whom are no longer with us), and to provide a platform for their voices to be heard in an authentic and compelling manner. We believe it will resonate with long-time fans and newcomers alike, providing a deeper understanding of the festival’s significance and its role in the broader cultural landscape,” shares Refiloe Ramogase, Maftown Heights festival co-founder and executive producer, Maftown Heights Untold Stories.
"Maftown Heights has always been more than just a stage for me; it's a homecoming, a place where the roots of my music and my journey are celebrated. It’s an honour to present the Maftown Heights Untold Stories. This documentary is a celebration of the incredible talent, passion, and community that define Maftown Heights,” expresses Khuli Chana, Maftown Heights festival co-founder and executive producer, Maftown Heights Untold Stories.
Key Highlights of the Documentary:
Origins and Evolution: Gain insight into the origins of Motswako and its growth into a mainstream cultural force. Discover the inspiration behind Maftown Heights and how it grew from a few hundred in attendance to an African phenomenon, highlighting key milestones and memorable performances.
Artist Stories: Hear from some of the biggest names in African hip-hop, including Cassper Nyovest, K.O, the late Riky Rick and AKA, as they share their personal connections to the festival and how it influenced their musical journeys.
Cultural Impact: Examine the festival’s contribution to promoting SA hip-hop and a culture of collaboration, fostering unity, and creating a platform for emerging talents.
Behind-the-Scenes: Get an insider’s perspective on the dedication and hard work that goes into organising Maftown Heights each year, featuring interviews with the festival’s founders, MCs, crew and event partners.
- Part 1 – 15 June 2024
- Part 2 – 22 June 2024
- Part 3 – 29 June 2024
- Part 4 – 6 July 2024