By Marshall Bwanya
Harare – Zimbabwe’s longest-running urban culture festival, Shoko Festival, has unveiled the final headliners for its landmark 15th edition, promising an unforgettable Mash Up Night.
South African hip hop legend turned amapiano innovator, Reason AKA Sizwe Alakine, and award-winning UK rapper OneDa are set to headline the event on Friday, September 26th at Harare Gardens.
Reason AKA Sizwe Alakine, a South African Music Awards (SAMA) winner and nominee for Best S.A Hip Hop Album of the Year, will deliver a unique Hip Hop vs Amapiano Sound Clash.
Fans can expect a dynamic journey through his hip hop roots and his contemporary amapiano mastery, showcasing his musical evolution, socially conscious lyrics, and genre-defying style.
Joining him is Manchester-based OneDa, the award-winning rapper, producer, and poet celebrated for her sharp lyricism, melodic vocals, and boundary-pushing performances.
Recently named BBC Introducing’s One to Watch by the AIM Independent Music Awards, OneDa will collaborate with rising Zimbabwean urban artists Yadis and Enhle, bringing an international flair to the festival’s celebration of homegrown talent.
Shoko Festival Director Samm Farai Monro, AKA Comrade Fatso, emphasized the significance of this year’s line-up.
“Reason embodies what this festival is about, building an urban culture legacy.
“OneDa’s collaboration with Yadis and Enhle shows Shoko’s commitment to creating international growth platforms for alternative urban artists,” said comrade Fatso.
These headline acts join a previously announced stellar line-up including Zim hip hop star Sane Wav and legendary producer Take Fizzo, who will take the audience on a nostalgic journey through Zimbabwe’s urban music history alongside Mafriq, Trinity, MC Chita, Mau Mau, Tererai, and Nembo Bwoy.
Festival-goers will also enjoy innovative collaborations under the Mashoko Tapes residency, featuring Segulm, Briza, Paintafresco, Yadis, and Enhle.
Shoko Festival 2025 will kick off with Comedy Night on Thursday, September 25th, headlined by King Kandoro, alongside Kenya’s Justine Wanda, Mike Chipere, Munya, Mbongeni Ignatius Ndlovu, and DJ Iroq.
The festival concludes with the free Peace In The Hood event in Chitungwiza, featuring Bagga, Young Fantan, Runna Rulez, Madedido, and Jnr Spragga.
Tickets are available online at www.flippintickets.co.zw and at Moto Republik, 3 Allan Wilson Avenue, Harare.
Early bird tickets for Mash Up Night cost $10, Comedy Night $15, and a combo ticket covering both events is $20.
Shoko Festival, a Magamba Network project, continues to celebrate Zimbabwe’s urban culture, creative expression, and boundary-pushing youth artistry.
