Shoko Festival, Zimbabwe’s longest-running celebration of urban culture, has announced the final headliners for its 15th edition Mash Up Night.

Taking place on Friday, September 26 at Harare Gardens, the night will feature South African hip hop veteran turned amapiano star Reason AKA Sizwe Alakine and award-winning UK rapper OneDa.

Reason, a SAMA-winning rapper currently nominated for Best SA Hip Hop Album of the Year, has successfully transitioned from being one of South Africa’s most respected hip hop voices into a pioneering force in amapiano.

At Shoko, he will deliver a rare Hip Hop vs Amapiano Sound Clash, tracing his evolution from conscious hip hop to amapiano hits.

Joining him is Manchester’s OneDa, a rapper, producer, and poet whose lyrical sharpness and melodic flow have earned her recognition from BBC 6 Music, BBC Radio 1, and 1Xtra.

Recently named One to Watch by the AIM Independent Music Awards, OneDa is set to collaborate with rising Zimbabwean artists Yadis and Enhle during her stay.

Festival Director Samm Farai Monro, AKA Comrade Fatso, said the additions reflect Shoko’s mission: “Reason embodies what this year’s festival is about—building an urban culture legacy.

“He’s been a key voice for two decades and remains influential with his move into amapiano. We’re also excited to see OneDa’s collaboration with Yadis and Enhle, which shows our commitment to creating international platforms for Zimbabwean artists.”

Mash Up Night will also feature an electrifying showcase from legendary producer Take Fizzo, joined by urban grooves pioneers Mafriq, Trinity, MC Chita, Mau Mau, Tererai, and Nembo Bwoy in a nostalgic journey through Zimbabwe’s urban music history. Rising hip hop artist Sane Wav adds youthful energy to the mix.

Further collaborations include outspoken Kenyan spoken word artist Mufasa performing with the Arundel School Jazz Band, Choir, and Orchestra, blending poetry with live instrumentation.

Meanwhile, Zimbabwean acts Segulm, Briza, Paintafresco, Yadis, and Enhle will debut brand new music created under Shoko’s Mashoko Tapes residency, an initiative fostering experimentation and collaboration in Zimbabwe’s hip hop and urban music scene.

The festival’s full program also includes Comedy Night on Thursday, September 25, headlined by King Kandoro with Kenya’s Justine Wanda and top local comedians, while the closing event Peace In The Hood will bring music to Chitungwiza on Sunday, September 28.

Performers include Zim Hip Hop giant Bagga, Young Fantan, 2024 Best Newcomer Runna Rulez, Zim dancehall artist Madedido, and chart-topper Jnr Spragga.

Tickets are available at flippintickets.co.zw and Moto Republik (3 Allan Wilson Avenue, Harare). Advance tickets: Mash Up Night $10 ($15 at the gate), Comedy Night $15 ($20 at the gate), combo ticket $20. Peace In The Hood is free.

Shoko Festival, Zimbabwe’s longest-running urban culture festival, has announced the lineup for its flagship Shoko Comedy Night as it celebrates its 15th edition.

The event will take place on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at Harare Gardens, headlined by internationally acclaimed comedian King Kandoro.

King Kandoro, born Mukudzei Majoni in 1992, is one of Zimbabwe’s most celebrated comedians. He became the first local comic to sell out Reps Theatre in 2019, later filling the 7 Arts Theatre in 2021 during his Prodigal Son Tour.

In 2024, he pulled off a landmark achievement by selling out the 3,500-seater Celebration Centre, even adding 400 extra seats due to overwhelming demand. His Shoko appearance marks a highly anticipated homecoming, coinciding with his birthday month and international tour.

Joining Kandoro is Kenya’s Justine Wanda, a satirist known for her online show Fake Woke With Justine.

Wanda blends sharp social commentary with dark humour, tackling issues from election misinformation to macroeconomics. She has toured extensively across Africa and written for productions such as The Fareed Khimani Show, XYZ (Kenya), and Zimbabwe’s Magamba TV.

The local lineup is equally strong. Munyaradzi “Mike” Chipere will bring his witty storytelling style that mixes Shona, English, and street lingo.

Popular comedienne Munya, a multifaceted performance artist who has toured across Africa and Asia, will add her mischievous satire.

Bulawayo’s Mbongeni Ignatius Ndlovu, winner of the 2023 Bulawayo Arts Award for Outstanding Comedian and a 2025 NAMA nominee, will showcase his theatrical brand of comedy.

Adding to the atmosphere, award-winning DJ Iroq will keep audiences entertained between sets.

Festival Director Samm Farai Monro, also known as Comrade Fatso, described the lineup as a reflection of Shoko’s 15-year legacy.

“King Kandoro grew his comedy career through platforms created by Magamba TV and Shoko and is now one of Zimbabwe’s biggest comedians. His return as headliner shows our commitment to nurturing the next generation of artists who speak truth to power,” he said.

Comedy Night is part of Shoko’s broader mission to amplify diverse voices, celebrate free expression, and showcase cutting-edge art within Zimbabwe’s youth culture. The festival, a project of Magamba Network, has grown into a cornerstone of the country’s alternative arts scene.

Tickets are available online at flippintickets.co.zw and at the Moto Republik box office, 3 Allan Wilson Avenue, Harare. Advance tickets for Comedy Night are $15 ($20 at the gate), while Mash Up Night tickets are $10 ($15 at the door).