The Basha Uhuru Creative Uprising is an annual festival in South Africa that celebrates art, culture, and human rights.

Hosted at Constitution Hill in Johannesburg, the festival provides a platform for activists, artists, and social justice organizations to come together and engage in hard-hitting dialogues, performances, exhibitions, and more. 

South Africa has a long and difficult history with human rights. For decades, apartheid laws stripped black South Africans of their basic rights, including the right to vote, own property, and receive an education. 

In the years since apartheid officially ended, South Africans have worked tirelessly to rebuild their society and ensure that everyone is treated equally and fairly.

One event that celebrates this ongoing struggle for human rights is the Basha Uhuru Creative Uprising, which takes place every year at Constitution Hill in Johannesburg. This festival, which is part of the larger Constitution Hill Human Rights Festival, is a celebration of the power of art and activism to effect change in society.

The Basha Uhuru Creative Uprising features a wide range of events, including visual arts, music, performance, film, poetry, and more. It's a chance for local artists and activists to come together and showcase their work, while also engaging in important conversations about human rights and social justice.

The festival is a fitting tribute to the struggle for human rights in South Africa, as Constitution Hill is itself a symbol of this ongoing fight. Once a notorious prison where political prisoners, including Nelson Mandela, were held, Constitution Hill is now a museum and cultural center that tells the story of South Africa's journey towards democracy and equality.

The history of Constitution Hill is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices that have been made in the name of human rights in South Africa. The prison complex was built in the late 19th century, and over the years it housed some of the country's most famous political prisoners, including Mahatma Gandhi, Albert Luthuli, and Nelson Mandela.

During the apartheid era, the prison was used to detain black South Africans who were fighting for their rights. These political prisoners were often subjected to terrible conditions, including torture and forced labor. Many of them never made it out of the prison alive.

After apartheid ended, the prison was decommissioned and plans were made to turn it into a museum and cultural center. Today, visitors to Constitution Hill can explore the prison's dark history, learn about the country's struggle for democracy, and engage in important conversations about human rights and social justice.

The Basha Uhuru Creative Uprising is just one example of the ways in which South Africans are continuing to fight for their rights and work towards a more just and equitable society. 

The festival provides a platform for local artists and activists to showcase their work, share their stories, and connect with others who are passionate about social justice.

At the heart of the festival is the belief that art and activism can be powerful tools for change. Whether through music, visual art, performance, or film, artists have the ability to inspire, educate, and mobilize people to take action and fight for what's right.

This year's festival is particularly significant, as it marks the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This landmark document, which was adopted by the United Nations in 1948, outlines the basic human rights that should be protected and upheld around the world.

For South Africans, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights holds particular significance, as it represents a set of values and principles that they have fought for throughout their history. The festival provides a space for people to reflect on these values and consider what more needs to be done to ensure that everyone's rights are protected and respected.

The theme of this year's festival is "Seize the Power," a call to action for people to take control of their own lives and work towards a better future for all. The festival promises to be a vibrant and engaging event, with a range of activities and events that will appeal to people of all ages and backgrounds.

Whether you're interested in visual art, music, film, or performance, there's something for everyone at the Basha Uhuru Creative Uprising.