The post Stogie T Shares Sobering Message On Salvation Through Jesus After Back to the City’s 20th Anniversary appeared first on SA Hip Hop Mag.
Stogie T Shares Sobering Message On Salvation Through Jesus After Back to the City’s 20th Anniversary. South African hip-hop veteran Stogie T has used the 20th anniversary of Back to the City to share a powerful message about Jesus, eternity and the limits of earthly achievements. While celebrating the resilience of hip-hop and honouring lives that have shaped the culture, the rapper reminded his audience that artistic talent and cultural influence cannot offer salvation, pointing instead to the eternal significance of where the soul rests.
The veteran lyricist described the milestone weekend as amazing, recalling the sight of approximately 15,000 people singing along in the rain. For him, the moment represented more than a successful festival. It demonstrated how far South African hip-hop has travelled and the strength of a culture that has continued to grow against the odds.
“It’s such a testament to the resilience of hip hop,” Stogie T remarked, reflecting on the journey from performing under bridges to witnessing the heights Back to the City has reached over two decades. He also acknowledged the festival’s importance to artists at different stages of their careers, from aspiring performers hoping to earn their place on the lineup to established acts and veterans whose contributions to the culture deserve recognition.
The rapper also gave flowers to the festival organising team for building Back to the City into an enduring fixture on the South African hip-hop calendar.
Beyond the celebrations, however, the anniversary carried deeper personal meaning. Stogie T reflected on the 20-year milestone of his brother Stu’s debut solo album, particularly the song “Maria,” while remembering the late Maria McCloy, a beloved figure in Johannesburg’s cultural community who passed away earlier this year.
He considered the moment an appropriate opportunity to honour her memory and acknowledge the influence she had on the city’s creative landscape.
The weekend also brought news of the passing of photographer Liam Lynch, prompting another heartfelt tribute from the rapper. Stogie T described Lynch as someone who contributed far more than photographs, recognising his commitment to documenting and supporting South African music.
“Liam is more than a photographer. He was a supporter of our art,” he said, adding that Lynch’s Instagram feed “reads like a museum of South African music.”
He extended his condolences to Lynch’s family, friends and colleagues, acknowledging the loss of someone who played a meaningful role in preserving the country’s musical history.
Yet, amid the celebrations and tributes, Stogie T turned his attention to a message that extended beyond hip-hop. While expressing gratitude for the opportunities, friendships and experiences the culture has given him, he cautioned against allowing artistic success to become the ultimate measure of life.
“Art is a gift, and the culture is not God. The culture is not salvation. It will not save you,” he said.
The statement offered a sobering perspective on a weekend dedicated to celebrating hip-hop’s achievements. For Stogie T, appreciating the culture and the people who have shaped it should go hand in hand with recognising that there are things far greater than fame, talent and professional accomplishments.
“More than celebrating the talent, I feel like we need to start caring more about eternity,” he added. “Talent dies with the flesh; where our soul rests is forever.”
His words brought a spiritual dimension to the reflection, encouraging people to look beyond the applause and achievements that often define success in the entertainment industry. While acknowledging the importance of Back to the City and the legacies of Maria McCloy and Liam Lynch, he challenged his audience to consider what ultimately matters beyond this life.
Stogie T closed his message by thanking everyone who has supported the culture throughout the past two decades, expressing appreciation for the love and commitment that have sustained the movement.
“God bless… I pray that we start caring about the things that last. Peace,” he concluded.
The post Stogie T Shares Sobering Message On Salvation Through Jesus After Back to the City’s 20th Anniversary appeared first on SA Hip Hop Mag.
The post Stogie T Shares Sobering Message On Salvation Through Jesus After Back to the City’s 20th Anniversary appeared first on SA Hip Hop Mag.
Stogie T Shares Sobering Message On Salvation Through Jesus After Back to the City’s 20th Anniversary. South African hip-hop veteran Stogie T has used the 20th anniversary of Back to the City to share a powerful message about Jesus, eternity and the limits of earthly achievements. While celebrating the resilience of hip-hop and honouring lives …
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