---
title: "Inner city comes alive with vibrant celebration of art and community at Hey Hillbrow!"
description: "For one magical afternoon, the streets of Hillbrow in Johannesburg were filled with otherworldly creations as a musical parade moved through in black and white. The event, coordinated by Shade Brixton director Tamzyn Botha and theatre-maker Daniel Buckland in collaboration with the Windybrow Arts Centre, celebrated the possibilities performance brings to public spaces, spreading energy, laughter and surprise."
type: "NewsArticle"
publisher: "Daily Maverick"
site: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za"
section: "PHOTO ESSAY"
author: "Felix Dlangamandla"
author_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/author/felix-dlangamandla/"
canonical_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025-06-06-inner-city-comes-alive-with-vibrant-celebration-of-art-and-community-at-hey-hillbrow/"
published: "2025-06-06T12:46:50"
updated: "2025-06-06T12:46:52"
lang: "en-ZA"
word_count: 83
---

# Inner city comes alive with vibrant celebration of art and community at Hey Hillbrow!

> For one magical afternoon, the streets of Hillbrow in Johannesburg were filled with otherworldly creations as a musical parade moved through in black and white. The event, coordinated by Shade Brixton director Tamzyn Botha and theatre-maker Daniel Buckland in collaboration with the Windybrow Arts Centre, celebrated the possibilities performance brings to public spaces, spreading energy, laughter and surprise.

By Felix Dlangamandla · Published 6 June 2025, 14:46 SAST · Updated 6 June 2025, 14:46 SAST

## Key points
- In a vibrant celebration of community spirit, the Hey Hillbrow! Let’s Dlala! parade transformed the streets into a kaleidoscope of music, art, and eco-consciousness, proving that Hillbrow knows how to party with a purpose.
- The Hey Hillbrow! Let’s Dlala! parade brought vibrant energy to the streets, led by the Ezase Vaal Brass Band.
- Local artists showcased their creativity with chalk drawings and face painting, enhancing the festive atmosphere.
- Community participation was highlighted by Thando Moyo, who carried recyclable materials during the event.
- Preparations at Windybrow Arts Centre set the stage for a celebration of culture and creativity in Hillbrow.

## Content

![Ezase Vaal Brass Band leads and weaves the parade
through the streets of Hillbrow. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/Lf9O5m8EFe5pkjo4y8pWvg70F3o=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/20V0459-1.jpg)

*The Ezase Vaal Brass Band leads and weaves the parade through the streets of Hillbrow. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)*

![Sketches on the ground at the Hey Hillbrow! Let’s Dlala! parade at Windybrow arts centre on 24 May 2025. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/zpaToMc7zFpgNQhAzMDNilauODQ=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/20V0368-1.jpg)

*Chalk drawings on the ground at the Hey Hillbrow! Let’s Dlala! parade. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)*

![Wandile Shabalala prepares for the Hey Hillbrow! Let’s Dlala! parade at Windybrow arts centre on 24 May 2025. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/cDmhV0s0IupdbQleeLneVV_-tn8=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/20V0353.jpg)

*Wandile Shabalala paints his face in preparation for the parade. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)*

![Artists prepare for the Hey Hillbrow! Let’s Dlala! parade at Windybrow arts centre on 24 May 2025. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/1MKw37UQwR27EirXRl0VdD_uSEQ=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/20V0303-1.jpg)

*Artists prepare for the parade at Windybrow Arts Centre. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)*

![Thando Moyo carries recyclable materials at the Hey Hillbrow! Let’s Dlala! parade at Windyborw Arts Centre on 24 May 2025. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/yo8TvjsV-2kuG_88Fs4tNWF1jUk=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/20V0478-1.jpg)

*Thando Moyo carries recyclable materials at the parade. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)*

![Ezase Vaal Brass Band  leads and weaves the parade
through the streets of Hillbrow. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)](https://cdn.dailymaverick.co.za/i/xLr2TQedwcNmW1_7uQ32MGfLxhs=/200x100/smart/filters:strip_exif\(\)/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/20V0540.jpg)

*The Ezase Vaal Brass Band parade through the streets of Hillbrow. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)*