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Shoko Festival: A Showcase of Music, Comedy & Urban Culture Kicking Off This Week!

Harare and Chitungwiza will come alive this week as Zimbabwe’s longest-running urban culture festival, Shoko Festival roars to life with an exciting lineup of performances from the 26th to the 28th of September.

 

This year’s edition will feature headline acts which include South African-based hip-hop queen Nadia Nakai, award-winning Zimdancehall star Master H, the chart-topping rapper, Voltz JT, rising hip hop star Kayflow and Afro-pop powerhouse Tamy Moyo.

Also on the line-up is Zimbabwean-born and US-based comedian Learnmore Jonasi, known for his viral appearances on America’s Got Talent that have landed him in the Finals of the competition.

Jonasi will grace Shoko Comedy Night in a special homecoming show, making it his first Zimbabwe appearance since appearing on America’s Got Talent.

Running under the theme, #BothSidesOfSamora, this year’s festival theme shines a light on the road that has historically separated different social classes between North and South. The theme reflects Shoko’s mission to unite diverse backgrounds and cultures.

Shoko kicks off in Harare Gardens with Shoko Comedy Night on the 26th September with Learnmore Jonasi headlining and then moves on to Mash Up Night on the 27th September featuring over 15 acts in one night including Nadia Nakai & Kayflow.

The festival will close out with the main event, Peace in the Hood at Chitungwiza Unit L Community Hall Grounds and will feature more exciting acts including Master H, Voltz JT, Young Gemini, Tamy Moyo and more.

“This year, we’re celebrating Zimbabweans who are doing it big on the international stage. We are proud to bring home Zimbabwean talents like Learnmore Jonasi and Nadia Nakai as our headliners,” says Shoko Festival Director Samm Farai Monro, AKA Comrade Fatso, “At the same time we are so excited to present powerful new Zimbabwean urban acts and unique programming that challenges the norm and stirs things up.

Shoko 2024 is gonna be a coming together of urban culture from both North and South of Samora as we kick off the festival in Harare City Centre and then take it out to the Hood in Chitungwiza”

Shoko Festival 2024 offers diverse performances, including music, dance, and comedy and will be happening throughout the week.

The Festival also includes the Hub Unconference which will take place at Moto Republik, running from the 24th  to the 25th of September.

The creative & digital event will feature more than 8 international speakers and 20 local speakers touching on emerging trends and topical issues such as artificial intelligence, civic tech, digital media and more.

Shoko Festival 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.

Tigers, Bolts, NYS off to Winning Starts as Zim Afro T10 roars to Life

Joburg Bangla Tigers won by eight wickets  

 

Durban Wolves – 106-5 in 10 overs (Mark Chapman 38, Sharjeel Khan 29, Regis Chakabva 13*; Antum Naqvi 1/8, Adam Milne 1/9, George Linde 1/11)

 Joburg Bangla Tigers – 109-2 in 7.4 overs (Hazratullah Zazai 44, Kusal Perera 23, Sikandar Raza 20*; Donald Tiripano 1/23, Mohamed Irfan 1/28)

 A dynamic innings of 44 from Hazratullah Zazai propelled Joburg Bangla Tigers to a straightforward eight-wicket victory over Durban Wolves in the opening match of the Zim Afro T10 tournament at Harare Sports Club on Saturday.

Wolves batted first, their main innings being 38 off 16 balls by Mark Chapman and 29 off 15 balls by opening batter Sharjeel Khan.

Their total was 106 for five wickets, with the New Zealander Adam Milne the best bowler, taking one good wicket for only nine runs off his two overs.

Zazai so dominated the strike and the scoring when Tigers replied that he scored 44 off 18 balls in 3.5 overs.

Kusal Perera (23 off seven) and captain Sikandar Raza (20 not out off eight) completed the job, while the other opener Mohammad Shahzad (13 not out) held his end up, the runs coming off only 7.4 overs.

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Cape Town Samp Army – 103-5 in 10 overs (Leo Julien 34*, Dawid Malan 31, Brian Bennett 16; Richard Gleeson 3/8, Dasun Shanaka 1/18)

Harare Bolts – 105-5 in 9.3 overs (George Munsey 33*, James Neesham 30, Sean Williams 19; Tawanda Maposa 1/11, David Willey 1/13, Rohan Mustafa 1/17)

 Harare Bolts won by five wickets

 Three wickets in five balls from Richard Gleeson of Harare Bolts put the brakes on a threatening Cape Town Samp Army innings, which led to his team’s eventual narrow victory by five wickets with three balls to spare in the second Zim Afro T10 match at Harare Sports Club on Saturday.

Brian Bennett (16 off eight balls) and Dawid Malan (31 off 14) gave Samp Army a start of 45 runs within four overs, but Gleeson bowled the fifth, dismissing Malan, Qais Ahmed and Ben Curran at two-ball intervals to make the score 56 for four.

Only Leo Julien, with 34 not out off 16 balls, fared well after that, the eventual total being 103 for five wickets.

Gleeson finished with his three wickets for eight runs.

Even then, Samp Army looked likely winners when they reduced Bolts to 45 for five wickets, of which Sean Williams made 19, within five overs.

But then James Neesham and George Munsey, both not out with 30 and 33 respectively, again turned the tables with a winning partnership of 60 to bring about a fine victory.

 

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Bulawayo Brave Jaguars – 101-4 in 10 overs (Carlos Braithwaite 34, Kobey Herft 31*, Wessly Madhevere 16*; Matiullah Khan 2/27, Binura Fernando 1/11, Akhilesh Bogudum 1/18)

NYS Lagos – 102-3 in 9.4 overs (Rassie van der Dussen 51, Avishka Fernando 34, Ryan Burl 11*; Wellington Masakadza 1/11, Carlos Braithwaite 1/17)

NYS Lagos won by seven wickets

 A brilliant opening partnership by Rassie van der Dussen and Avishka Fernando was the main factor in NYS Lagos’s seven-wicket victory over Bulawayo Brave Jaguars in Saturday’s final Zim Afro T10 match at Harare Sports Club.

Jaguars, batting first, lost three wickets for 20 runs, but were rescued by Kobey Herft (31 not out off 23 balls) and Carlos Brathwaite (34 off 19 balls).

The finishing touch to their innings of 101 for four wickets was added by Wessly Madhevere, who came in to score 16 not out off the last four deliveries, including a six and two fours.

It was not enough to overcome van der Dussen and Fernando, though, who scored 12 runs off the first over of the NYS Lagos innings and 18 off the second.

They put on 79 in 6.2 overs, virtually winning the match before Fernando went for 34 off 17 balls.

There was a stutter as van der Dussen was dismissed for 51 off 26 balls and Najibullah Zadran was run out, but Ryan Burl hit 11 not out off five balls to end the match.

From DJs to Dreamers: How 016FM Captures the Spirit of South African Community Radio

Nominated for Best South African Streaming Series at the inaugural Behind The Scenes Awards in November 2024, 016FM follows two polar opposite DJs (the late Mpho Sebeng and Empini’s Joseph MJ Sedibo) trying to save their much-loved community radio station in the Vaal from closing.

Nephtali Leotle has been a fan-favourite as Pius, a former bodybuilder turned entrepreneur who uses the radio station to run his illicit businesses.

With Season 1 of 016FM now available to binge on Showmax, the team sat down with the veteran actor, whose three-decade career includes appearances in everything from the Oscar-nominated Invictus to local favourites like The Long RunFour Walls and Ring of Lies, to Outlaws, the joint most-nominated telenovela going into this year’s SAFTAs.

You worked with the late Mpho Sebeng on this project. What was your fondest memory of working with him in his final performance?

We were both excited to reconnect on a new production, because the last project we worked on together was Rings of Lies. Mpho and I had a way of reading each other’s minds and then bursting out laughing on set.

He always checked on me and would ask about my well-being. He made it his business to ensure that I was okay; I did the same. I miss a lot of things about him, like his sense of discipline and impeccable work ethic. I’m consoled by the fact that we spoke shortly before the tragedy.

On 016FM, a lot of the cast are much younger than you. What’s one valuable lesson you’ve learned from working alongside such a young and vibrant cast? 

Well, I’d also consider myself to be still young. [Laughs]

When I was younger and working alongside older cast members, we always saw ourselves as that young group that contributed so much freshness and vibrancy to the set. What I always appreciated about older cast members is that, as much as we learned from them, they were also willing to learn from us.

Now I’m experiencing the same with the new generation I’m working with. My younger cast members are such a breath of fresh air. They are eager to not only learn but also to teach us a few things. So I considered my working relationship with them as a healthy transaction of knowledge and respect. It’s not a one-way street; we learned from them and they learn from us.

What is it about the 016FM storyline that intrigued you?

I’m a person who takes family and community values seriously. This storyline touches on those values and that’s what I love about this show. It defied what seems to be the trend of what content sells in this industry these days. I’m a firm believer that we need more stories that allow for families to sit together and enjoy the content – and 016FM does that.

What has filming 016FM helped you discover about the Vaal area?

I spent a number of years in the Vaal. Through my experience of living there, I’ve learned that the Vaal is a complex place with great potential, despite the various social ills the area is faced with.

For example, I know of corporate executives and politicians who are from the Vaal but because they were in search of greener pastures, like many of us, they left that community. Not that I blame them for leaving, but I do consider this to be rather unfortunate because the exodus of these people has created a gap and a scarcity of mentors who can coach the disillusioned in that community. What then happens is that the youth is left with people like Pius, who deal in illicit businesses, which leads to the erosion of that area.

Like many areas across the country, the Vaal is a sad story, but stories like 016FM bring a sense of hope and happiness.

They’re a reminder that society needs to go back to valuing the importance of community and holding each other accountable for what happens in our surroundings. The Vaal needs a happy story and I think 016FM is that happy story – 016FM is a love letter to that area.

Watch the trailer: on YouTube here

Shoko Festival Unveils Ground-breaking Mash Up Night Concept

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.

AneUnhu taken by The African Selfie Stick

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.

Pan Afrodigital Offers Free Digital Marketing Training for Individuals with Disabilities

Pan Afrodigital, the leading provider of digital skills training is offering free access to its online Digital Marketing course, alongside complimentary computer skills and digital literacy training to empower individuals with disabilities.

 

This unique enrollment opportunity is available until October 11, 2024.

The launch of this initiative is to celebrate the birthday of its Founder, Trust Nhokovedzo.

“Digital marketing has emerged as a transformative field, providing a level playing field for individuals with disabilities,” said Mr Nhokovedzo Founder of Pan Afrodigital.

“By leveraging the remote nature of this work, participants can overcome many of the physical barriers that often accompany traditional employment.”

Mr Nhokovedzo added that this flexibility allows for a more inclusive workforce, where creativity, problem-solving, and analytical thinking—skills often possessed by individuals with disabilities—can shine.

Added Mr Nhokovedzo: “We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive in the digital age.

“This initiative is our way of empowering people with disabilities to acquire the skills they need to succeed in today’s competitive job market.”

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply for this unique opportunity, and organizations that support disabled individuals are strongly urged to apply on behalf of their beneficiaries.

“Pan Afrodigital welcomes partnerships with other organizations that can provide internet access or necessary gadgets to facilitate participation in the courses,” said Mr Nhokovedzo.

Instagram Makes All Teen Accounts Private by Default

For the first time in its history, Instagram on Tuesday announced the launch of accounts designed specifically for teenage users with built-in privacy protections.

 

The new accounts, called “Teen Accounts,” will be automatic for all Instagram users under the age of 18, both for teens already using the app and for those signing up.

By default, Instagram users younger than 16 will need a parent’s permission to change their account settings.

The changes — expected to impact tens of millions of users — were announced by Instagram head Adam Mosseri

“They’re an automatic set of protections for teens that try to proactively address the top concerns that we’ve heard from parents about teens online,” Mosseri said on “GMA.”

“Things like who can contact them, what content they see and how much time they spend on their device … all without requiring any involvement from the parent.”

Mosseri said the rollout of Teen Accounts starts Tuesday with new users signing up for the app, while existing teen users will see their accounts switch to the new Teen Accounts model within 60 days.

Among the changes put in place by Instagram include a new privacy setting that, by default, places all teen users in private accounts.

In order to switch to a public account, teens under age 16 will need a parent’s permission.

Under the private account setting, teens will need to accept new followers and only people whom they accept as followers can see their content and interact with them.

In addition, teen users will now automatically only be able to message with people they follow, or are already connected to, and parents will have a new tool in their settings that allows them to see with whom their teen has recently been messaging.

With the new accounts, teens will have the power to choose the age-appropriate topics they want to see more of on Instagram, like sports or art, and parents will also be able to see the topics their teens choose.

In order to limit the amount of time spent on Instagram, all Teen Accounts will be placed in “sleep mode” between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m., while parents can also adjust their child’s time settings — including limiting access completely overnight — in the parental supervision tool.

Another change for Teen Accounts is that they will automatically be placed in more restrictive content settings, which will limit the content they see in search functions like Reels or Explore from accounts they don’t follow, according to Instagram.

DJ Neptune Unleashes ‘Greatness III’: A Genre-Defying Album Featuring Africa’s Brightest Stars

On the third instalment of his album series, Nigerian Star producer and party rocker DJ Neptune extends his tenure as an innovator, with 14 tracks that traverse a multitude of sounds and moods- achieved with a bevy of emerging and established continental co-stars.

 

Neptune urges music lovers to “keep their mind open and feel the great vibe.

“There are lots of young amazing talent on this project, and I was very intentional with that because I know these guys are the future leaders when it comes to controlling the African sound,” he said.

The album starts with his Hip-Hop signature starter, “Normal Day” which eases into a total blend of genres so there’s something for everyone.

Whilst the lovers of RnB can listen to Wait for You, Emmanuella, a collaboration with Olivetheboy would make you dance, while you unwind with the collaborations from LAX and Ajebo.

GreatnessIII also touched base with dancehall fans on Tonight featuring Joshua Baraka from Uganda.

It was craftfully executed and sequenced with production credits from Reward Beatz, Timbun, Og Sterling, Dummex, Axon, Choke Boi, Kukbeatz.

DJ Neptune who hails from Edo State in Nigeria was born and bred in Lagos State, where he got exposed to music in the late 90’s.

Imohosien Patrick popularly known as DJ Neptune started entertaining friends and neighbors at the age of 10.

DJ Neptune developed an interest in becoming a Disc Jockey while He was in school and after watching several online DJ tutorials and practice; He became a Disc Jockey and started living his dreams, spinning at school parties, fast food eateries, nightclubs, and house parties.

Simba Bhora Smells Blood, Caps Stun Bosso, Manica hands Platinum Another Defeat

With eight games to go before the conclusion of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League, things seem to be heating up with some shocking results on Match day 26.

 

Fifth Title for FC Platinum Now an Uphill Task

Saturday provided an exciting backdrop as the four-time champions FC Platinum suffered a defeat to Manica Diamonds at home.

Title-chasing Platinum have now lost four of their last eight games. Consequently, Manica Diamonds have secured back-to-back 1-0 victories over FC Platinum this season.

 

Simba Bhora Smelling Blood

Simba Bhora sensing an opportunity, capitalised on Platinum’s misfortunes, opening up a healthy seven-point lead at the top of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League after defeating TelOne at Ascot Stadium.

A brace from Mthokozisi Msebe propelled the Shamva-based team to 53 points.

Caps United’s Dramatic Win Over Bosso

A five-goal thriller unfolded at Rufaro Stadium, where Caps United came from two goals down to defeat Highlanders.

Bosso appeared to have everything under control after taking a 2-0 lead in the first half, courtesy of a brace from Lynoth Chikuhwa, who has now reached double digits in the Golden Boot race.

Caps’ unlikely revival began in the 43rd minute with a penalty converted by William Manondo after a Highlanders player handled the ball inside the box.

Manondo has now scored 11 goals, putting him one ahead in the Golden Boot race.

Phineas Bhamusi was a constant threat from the left wing, delivering a pinpoint cross that found Alois Bunjira Junior, who headed home the equaliser in the 84th minute.

Highlanders defender Peter Muduhwa paid dearly for failing to deal with a long ball from midfield, allowing Caps substitute Lot Chiwunga to smash the ball into the roof of the net for the winner in the 94th minute.

Match day 26 Results

FC Platinum 0 – 1 Manica Diamonds

Arenel Movers 2 – 1 Greenfuel

Herentals College 2 – 0 Hwange

Bikita Minerals 0 – 0 ZPC Kariba

Caps  United 3 – 2 Highlanders

Chicken Inn 0 – 0 Yadah FC

Chegutu Pirates 1 – 1 Bulawayo Chiefs

Telone 1 – 2 Simba Bhora

Golfing Brothers Scott & Kieran Vincent Team Up with KidzCan Zimbabwe to aid Childhood Cancer Relief

Zimbabwe’s leading professional golfers Scott and Kieran Vincent have entered a partnership with local organisation, KidzCan Zimbabwe, where they will donate to the cause for every birdie or eagle they make while competing on the LIV Golf League.

 

KidzCan Zimbabwe is a children’s cancer relief organisation which focuses on early diagnosis and treatment of children with cancer in the country.

This kind-hearted gesture will see the two golfers donate US$200 for every birdie and US$500 for every eagle they make at LIV Golf Chicago which tees off this Friday.

Scott and Kieran Vincent, who have consistently flown the country’s flag up high on the international golf stage, are currently playing on the lucrative LIV Golf League.

Scott is part of the Iron Head GC team while his young brother Kieran features for the newest LIV Golf League team, Legion XIII.

They announced the partnership on their social media platforms ahead of their tee off at the LIV Golf Chicago which is being played at Bolingbrook Golf Club.

“This week, I’m proud to announce my partnership and support for KidzCan Zimbabwe a charity dedicated to helping children with cancer. For every birdie I make, I’ll be donating $200, and for every eagle, $500 will go to this amazing cause,” said Scott Vincent in a statement which was also shared by his young brother Kieran.

“Let’s make a difference together, one swing at a time! Every shot counts not just for me, but for the kids who need it the most. Follow along and support the journey—because every birdie and eagle brings us closer to a brighter future for these kids.”

The Vincent brothers also encouraged their fans to support the KidzCan Zimbabwe charity initiative by raising awareness on the work they do in communities around the country and making donations through the KidzCan profile on the fundraising website GlobalGiving

“I would love to encourage everyone to get involved by either sharing this post to gain awareness or following the link in my bio to donate to this foundation that is making a positive impact in our community!,” he said.

The two brothers, who are passionate about giving back to Zimbabwe, have also been active in the development of golf in the country.

Blockbuster Clashes in the Chibuku Super Cup Quarterfinals

Chibuku Super Cup defending champions Dynamos will face Yadah FC in their quarterfinal match following the cup draw this morning.

 

The games will be played during the weekend of September 21-22, 2024.

Highlanders will host Simba Bhora, while Ngezi Platinum and CAPS United will square off against each other.

Manica Diamonds and FC Platinum complete the quarterfinal lineup. 

Here is the full draw:

Dynamos vs Yadah

Simba Bhora vs Highlanders

Ngezi Platinum vs CAPS United

Manica Diamonds vs FC Platinum