Shoko Festival, Zimbabwe’s longest-running festival of urban culture, opens today for its landmark 15th edition under the theme “The Legacy XV.”
Running until September 26, the four-day event blends comedy, music, and groundbreaking collaborations, closing with the free Peace in the Hood concert in Chitungwiza.
The festival begins with The Hub UnConference (Sept 24–25) at Harare Gardens, themed “Decolonize the Internet.”
Comedy Night follows on September 25, headlined by King Kandoro alongside Kenya’s Justine Wanda and local comics Mike Chipere, Munya, and Mbongeni Ignatius Ndlovu, with DJ Iroq on decks.
International stars highlight the Mash Up Night on September 26. South African rapper Reason, also known as Sizwe Alakine, promises a high-energy Hip Hop vs. Amapiano sound clash.
UK rapper OneDa will showcase her sharp lyricism and collaborate with Zimbabwean rising talents Yadis and Enhle.
Local legends also take the stage, with producer Take Fizzo performing his biggest hits alongside urban grooves pioneers Mafriq, Trinity, MC Chita, Mau Mau, Tererai, and Nembo Bwoy.
Another highlight is the collaboration between Kenyan spoken word artist Mufasa and Arundel School’s Jazz Band, Choir, and Orchestra.
“The energy building around our 15-year anniversary edition is incredible,” said Shoko Festival Director Samm Farai Monro, aka Comrade Fatso.
“We can’t wait to unleash this powerful line-up of inspiring new artists and seasoned headliners. It’s what Shoko’s all about—creating alternative spaces for socially conscious acts, cutting-edge collaborations, and dope new music.”
Shoko continues its tradition of innovation with the Build The Peace project, developed with UK partners Arcadia and In Place of War.
The initiative features a mural co-designed by young Zimbabwean and UK artists, previously displayed at Glastonbury Festival.
The mural will now be showcased at the Peace in the Hood concert in Chitungwiza’s Unit L grounds on the festival’s closing day.
Tickets are available online at www.flippintickets.co.zw and at Harare Gardens.
Advance prices are $10 for Mash Up Night ($15 at the gate), $15 for Comedy Night ($20 at the gate), or $20 for a combo ticket. Peace in the Hood remains free to attend.
Shoko Festival, a project of Magamba Network, continues to champion free expression, alternative youth culture, and socially conscious creativity across Zimbabwe and beyond.
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