Zimbabwe’s longest-running urban culture celebration, Shoko Festival, is set to mark its 15th anniversary this September with a bold blend of music, comedy, digital activism, and an international art collaboration that stretches from Glastonbury to Chitungwiza.
Running under the theme “The Legacy XV,” the 2025 edition promises to honour the festival’s journey of championing creative freedom and youth expression since its inception.
Events will unfold from 25 to 27 September 2025 across Harare and Chitungwiza, with an opening civic tech gathering, the Hub UnConference, scheduled for 24 and 25 September.
A major highlight this year is the groundbreaking collaboration between Shoko Festival and UK-based Arcadia, an art collective known for transforming military hardware into powerful installations.
Along with global arts NGO In Place of War, the partnership is launching Build The Peace, a creative exchange between Zimbabwean and UK artists.
The project includes a co-designed mural that will first appear at Glastonbury, the UK’s largest music festival, before being unveiled at Shoko Festival’s Peace in the Hood finale event in Chitungwiza.
According to festival coordinator Vera Chisvo, “This collaborative project is timely in a world where headlines across the globe are becoming more and more about war and hostility.
The project is a clarion call for peace in communities, using art and culture as vehicles for positive transformation.”
Peace in the Hood, a free-entry closing show at Unit L Grounds in Chitungwiza, regularly draws thousands and is known for spotlighting emerging talent while creating space for community dialogue and celebration.
The festival also continues to serve as a key stage for rising stars and underground creatives.
This year’s lineup includes some of Zimbabwe’s freshest acts making waves on the music scene.
Award-winning newcomer Runna Rulez, who took home the 2024 Zim Hip Hop Best Newcomer award, will be one to watch, alongside dancehall riser Madedido, whose influence is growing among young urban artists.
Also set to perform is chart-topper Jnr Spragga, currently riding the success of his hit single MaRulez, which has been dominating streaming charts and playlists across Zimbabwe.
Hip hop fans can look forward to Bagga, who will be debuting new music ahead of his Shoko stage appearance.
Comedy lovers are in for a big return as Zimbabwe’s comedy heavyweight King Kandoro comes home for a highly anticipated performance.
Fresh off international stages, Kandoro brings his global tour to Zimbabwe in what promises to be one of the standout moments of the festival.
Before the music and comedy take centre stage, Shoko’s Hub UnConference kicks off with a provocative theme: Decolonize the Internet.
This gathering will explore digital inequality, biased AI, and the need to reclaim digital spaces through African narratives. It’s designed to attract thinkers, activists, and creators invested in shaping more inclusive online futures.
Advance tickets are already available at flippingtickets.co.zw and Moto Republik in Harare.
Comedy Night tickets cost $15 in advance ($20 at the gate), while Mash Up Night tickets are $10 in advance ($15 at the gate). A combined advance pass for both nights is available for $20.
Backed by Magamba Network, a leading creative and digital media organisation in Africa, Shoko Festival 2025 is shaping up to be a dynamic blend of art, innovation, and community that both reflects and builds on its 15-year legacy.
More headline acts and surprises are expected to be revealed in the lead-up to the event.
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