By Victor Fanuel
HARARE — Zimbabwe’s longest-running urban culture festival, Shoko Festival, has exploded into life with three days of music, comedy, digital debates and creative showcases under its Unmuted theme.
The 16th edition kicked off on Wednesday with a Sofar Sounds pop-up at Harare Gardens featuring Cingi, Vicky Soulful, Bhanshee and Kuda Rice.
Comedy takes centre stage at Harare Gardens on September 24 when Shoko Festival Comedy Night brings together Zimbabwean and South African stars.
Headlining the rib-tickling night are Nigel Maritinyu, better known as Nigel tha Slick Pastor, and South Africa’s Vafa Naraghi, who will be making his Shoko Comedy Night debut.
They will be joined by Neville Nyoni, aka Neville Bird, and Glad Syre Chipenzi, with Sharon Chideu, popularly known as Magi, taking charge as host.
Music lovers will then descend on Harare Gardens on September 25 for Mash Up Night, featuring Saintfloew, Voltz JT, UK-based OneDa, Mugaratia and Xiba.
Adding to the musical firepower will be Mashoko Tapes artists Bhila, Supermuno, Millz Million, Easy Ice, Luigi Badgenna and Hooksmith, riding high on the release of Mashoko Tapes Volume 3.
Now in its third year, Mashoko Tapes brings Shoko performers together through a music residency to create an original album while encouraging collaboration and artistic growth among Zimbabwe’s hip hop and urban artists.
Shoko Festival coordinator Natasha Sipanera said the packed programme reflected the festival’s commitment to both established stars and emerging talent.
“Expect fireworks during the three day event with Comedy Night, Mash Up Night and Peace In The Hood in Chitungwiza on Saturday,” said Sipanera.
Saturday will see the festival move to Chitungwiza Unit L for the Peace In The Hood concert, with rapper Nisha Ts leading the bill.
Fresh from releasing her second career album, Tsigamugobo, Nisha Ts will share the stage with Hwinza, Yadis, Tanto Wavie and Young Gemini.
She described Shoko as an important platform for Zimbabwean creativity and youth expression.
“Shoko Festival is a very special platform for me because it celebrates Zimbabwean culture, creativity and the voices of young people,” said Nisha Ts.
Running alongside the main festival
programme is The Hub Unconference, taking place on September 24 and 25 and focusing on digital media, civic tech and the creative economy.
Panel discussions, masterclasses, debates, live podcasts, creative pop-ups and interactive showcases will bring together speakers from across Africa, including Tanzania’s Angela Kilisungu and Nkumi Mtingwa, Uganda’s Antonio Kisembo and Samuel Eibu, Malawi’s Willson Chivhanga and Zimbabweans Darlington Chugumbu, Linda Mujuru and Joice Svotwa.
A Green Cities Expo will also bring environmental issues into the festival mix, with African speakers exploring clean energy and responses to climate change.
Running from September 23 to 26 across Harare and Chitungwiza, Shoko Festival is a project of Magamba Network, a creative and digital media organisation that has made urban culture and free expression central to its work.
Tickets cost US$20 at the gate for Comedy Night and US$15 for Mash Up Night.
