WELKOM – For the members of “Thee Parliament,” a dream nurtured in Welkom is steadily becoming a reality. The rising hip-hop collective recently reached another major milestone after securing a place in the Top 5 of the #WhoGotTheAux competition’s Welkom Edition, held at Levels Lounge in partnership with DJ Switch, Red Bull, and Big3.
The achievement is the latest reward for a group of artists whose passion, originality and determination have been turning heads in the local music scene. Their high-energy performance and distinctive sound impressed both the judges and the audience, while their original tracks, “Samannete” and “Godzilla,” continued to generate excitement long after the event ended.
The group’s success gained momentum on social media, receiving recognition from fellow artists and creative brands alike. Among those supporters were respected artist Jayy Ad and creative brand We Are Scary Baloons, helping to introduce Thee Parliament’s music to an even wider audience.
Perhaps the biggest reward to come from their performance is an invitation to attend “Back To The City,” South Africa’s premier hip-hop festival, which will take place in Johannesburg on 10 October 2026. This year’s event marks the festival’s 20th anniversary, making the opportunity particularly meaningful for the emerging collective.
For the members of Thee Parliament, the invitation is more than simply attending a festival. It represents an opportunity to network with established artists, experience one of the country’s biggest hip-hop celebrations and continue building their profile on the national stage.
The collective says the achievement would not have been possible without the unwavering support of their fans, friends and the local community.
“This achievement belongs to every single person who believes in our vision,” the group said in a statement.
“Your support continues to inspire us to work harder and represent our city with pride. This is only the beginning.”
As more listeners discover their music and opportunities continue to grow, Thee Parliament is determined to keep pushing boundaries while proudly carrying the Welkom name wherever they perform.
Their journey serves as a reminder that talent, perseverance and community support can transform local dreams into national opportunities. For this young collective, the Top 5 finish is not the destination – it is simply another step towards an even bigger stage.
