Zimbabwe’s longest-running festival of urban culture, Shoko Festival, has announced the highly anticipated Mash Up Night, an electrifying showcase that fuses hip hop, dance, and theatre, all while celebrating Zimbabwe’s rich urban culture and diverse soundscape.
This ground-breaking event will take place on Friday September 27th at Harare Gardens, featuring over 15 performances from some of the most exciting names in the arts including South African headliner Nadia Nakai and the rising Zim hip-hop star, Kayflow.
Curated by the seasoned multidisciplinary artist AneUnhu, Mash Up Night promises to deliver an unforgettable night of storytelling through music and theatre where underground subgenres meet mainstream hip hop.
Known for his critically acclaimed work, AneUnhu has carefully crafted a performance lineup that will leave a lasting mark on Zimbabwe’s urban culture landscape.
This year’s Shoko Festival is themed #BothSidesOfSamora, with Mash Up Night set to embody this theme fully.
Speaking about the event, AneUnhu says “I am honoured to be part of this one-night-only variety showcase, exploring life and living with artists all over the nation, we find there is much more that brings us together than tears us apart. This event will solidify our creative union as a people, who have stood together through multiple currencies, cultural impositions, movements, and two republics.”
Shoko Festival Coordinator, Vera Chisvo says, “This is a night where common experiences that we share as Zimbabweans, from both sides of Samora Machel—the culturally prosperous, spirited South, and the opulent, lustrous Northern Harare—finally merge to create a cultural explosion. ”
Festival goers are in for an unforgettable evening, with Nadia Nakai, the renowned rap queen set to make her return to Zimbabwe from South Africa for this special performance. She will be joined by Kayflow, one of Zimbabwe’s most boundary-pushing hip-hop artists.
Mash Up Night will be a true celebration of Zimbabwean creativity and unity, with the event drawing inspiration from Bob Marley’s iconic reggae anthem, “Zimbabwe”, as we find common ground in the heart of Harare.
The uniquely curated programme will feature unforgettable performances by artists such as Lalla Martin, RayKaz, Shebeen Rap (a duo composed of Dough Major & Dingo Duke), Rutendo Jackie, and Bhekiwé.
Supporting the musical talent will be an incredible band comprising Jairos Hambahamba (keyboard), Geoffrey Ndekha (drums), Basil Mahachi (bass), Wellington (guitar), and vocalists Min’enhle & Sher. Performances also include the young stars from Voice2Rep Zimbabwe, the multi-genre dance ensemble AfriKera, and a distinctive presentation by the show’s hosts.
The night will be rounded off by a first-ever rap battle entitled ‘King Of Samora’ pitting rappers Donne Jovi & Gilmo against fellow emcees Fund Reezy & Double Jae.
Curated by conscious MC Noble Styles, the rap battle is a year-long culmination of the regular popular events he organises to find the best battle MC in the country.
Additionally, audiences will experience world-class lighting, curated by Zimbabwe’s own internationally renowned lighting designer, Mildred Moyo.
Having worked across the globe, Moyo continues to contribute her expertise to Zimbabwe’s creative industry, enhancing the magic of the show beyond the stage. Mash Up Night promises to be an all-round experience.
Shoko Festival is Zimbabwe’s longest-running festival of urban culture and celebrates free expression, cutting-edge urban art, and alternative youth culture. It is a project of Magamba Network, Africa’s trailblazing creative and digital media organisation.
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