4th Ashley Kriel Memorial Cypher Free Concert to Rock Trenchtown

The 4th Annual Ashley Kriel Memorial Cypher concludes on Saturday 11 July 2026 with a free concert at Trenchtown in Observatory, bringing together an impressive line-up of Hip Hop, Reggae and other independent artists for an evening celebrating music, culture and community.

Starting at 7pm, the event opens with an Open Mic Cypher Session before the live performances begin at 8pm and continue until late. Entry is free, making it a rare opportunity to experience such a high calibre of artists on one stage without paying a cent.

Culmination of a Life Celebration

The concert is the finale of the two-day 4th Annual Ashley Kriel Memorial Cypher, which began on Friday 10 July at the University of the Western Cape with the Ashley Kriel Memorial Lecture by Shirley Gunn, film screenings and panel discussions reflecting on the legacy of the anti-Apartheid activist and youth leader.

On 9 July 1987, at the age of 20, working-class revolutionary militant and community leader, Ashley Kriel, from Bonteheuwel on the Cape Flats, was assassinated by apartheid security forces. It is important that we and future generations remember and celebrate his convictions of leadership and the sacrifices that he and other youth across South Africa made in the struggle against apartheid.

READ MORE about Ashley Kriel on Bruinou.com

The stakeholders and co-constructors of the 4th Annual Ashley Kriel Memorial Cypher to commemorate the anti-apartheid freedom fighter and Umkhonto we Sizwe commander include Adwa Movement, Aboxan Arts and Africa Unite (NGO), HIM Society, Best of eKapa Hip Hop, and Surplus Radical Bookstore, with Bruinou.com as the Official Media Partner.

Celebrating Ashley Kriel Through Music

The evening’s line-up features RA I, who is also the program director of concert celebrating Ashley Kriel through music.. The rest of the lineup is filled with Cape Flats music scene royalty that includes Big Belly Bufu, Ronald-Presley, Starborn, Dohsage, Zahabu, Umhambi Wendlela, Hitta, Natasha Tafari & Yendor, Baka, EazyCPT, Congo Gora, Raheem Beatbox, Initialed Endee, Lyrix, Judah, Empress Naphtali, LayloCPT, Miss Morena, Isaac Mutant, Kayise, Niko10long, CXRTIFIDXHUSTLXR and Carlo Ivor.
Again, where else will you get to see a live concert with such an awesome lineup for free?

Keeping the energy flowing between performances will be DJ realROZZANO of Best of eKapa Hip Hop, who will be on deck duty with DJ sets throughout the night.

Whether you’re a long-time supporter of Cape Town’s independent music scene or simply looking for a great night out, the 4th Ashley Kriel Memorial Cypher concert promises an unforgettable celebration of local talent, unity and the enduring spirit of resistance through music.