Zimbabwe’s longest-standing urban culture festival, Shoko Festival, has announced an impressive lineup as it celebrates its significant 15th anniversary with the theme “The Legacy XV.”
The event starts today with the Hub UnConference held at Harare Gardens, which will continue until September 25, focusing on the theme “Decolonize the Internet.” A week-long festival highlighting alternative culture will conclude on September 26 with its well-known free-admission Peace in the Hood concert in Chitungwiza.
On Thursday, comedy becomes the main attraction as King Kandoro performs, accompanied by Kenya’s humorous talent Justine Wanda and local comedians Mike Chipere, Munya, and Mbongeni Ignatius Ndlovu.
The evening will feature the renowned DJ Iroq.
Music enthusiasts are in for an exciting Hip Hop versus Amapiano battle on Friday, with South African rapper Reason, also known as Sizwe Alakine, headlining the Mash Up Night event.
Initially recognized as one of South Africa’s most admired hip hop artists, Reason has transformed into a trailblazer within the amapiano scene.
Accompanying him is UK-based award-winning rapper OneDa, who will also work with Zimbabwean emerging artists Yadis and Enhle during her visit.
The event will also highlight Zimbabwean icons, with producer Take Fizzo delivering a performance of his most popular tracks alongside pioneers of urban rhythms such as Mafriq, Trinity, MC Chita, Mau Mau, Tererai, and Nembo Bwoy.
A distinctive partnership between Kenyan spoken word performer Mufasa and the jazz band, choir, and orchestra from Arundel School is planned to introduce an innovative element.
“The excitement surrounding our 15-year anniversary edition is amazing. It’s at the heart of what Shoko stands for – developing unique spaces for socially aware performances, innovative partnerships, and fresh new music,” said Festival Director Samm Farai Monro, also known as Comrade Fatso.
In addition to music and comedy, Shoko keeps breaking barriers with its Build The Peace initiative, working alongside UK-based groups Arcadia and In Place of War.
A mural created collaboratively by young artists from Zimbabwe and the United Kingdom, which was initially presented at the Glastonbury Festival in the UK, will now be exhibited at Peace in the Hood in Chitungwiza.
Tickets can be purchased at Harare Gardens and online through flippintickets.co.zw. Early bird tickets for Mash Up Night are priced at $10 (with a gate fee of $15), whereas Comedy Night tickets are $15 (with a gate fee of $20).
A combined ticket for both events can be purchased for $20 in advance, while “Peace in the Hood” is still free.
Established by Magamba Network, the Shoko Festival has emerged as a vital part of Zimbabwe’s young generation’s culture, honoring free expression, unconventional art, and innovative music for more than ten years.
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