10th Shoko Festival to be held virtually

Mthabisi Tshuma, Showbiz Correspondent
ORGANISERS of the 10th edition of the Shoko Festival have revealed that this year’s edition will be held virtually and will feature an array of artistes drawn from across the country.

In a statement, Shoko Festival director, Comrade Fatso said the week-long event which kicks off on September 21 will be live-streamed with the festival’s theme “Phoenix Edition” having been inspired by the ongoing pandemic that has greatly affected the arts.

“This year’s theme comes as a revelation for people to rise uniquely above coronavirus like the phoenix (mythological bird that cyclically regenerates or is otherwise born again) does through creating an inspirational artistic space. We’re calling on Zimbabweans to come alive and see beyond the Covid-19 pandemic and challenging times we are living in,” said Comrade Fatso.

“Challenges are prone to be there in any scenario and can be hard to move past, but this is an opportunity to relive the dreams we’ve always had through a pulsating, corporeal eruption of music, comedy, free expression and inspiring vibes.”

The organisers said the festival aims at giving up-and-coming artistes in different genres an opportunity to perform. Events that have been lined up include Mash Up nights, Hub Unconference and the Shoko Comedy Night among others.

Artistes who have secured slots so far are comedian Ray Vines, Zimdancehall musician Jah Master and multi-talented musician Poptain.

Shoko Festival, a product of Magamba Network has provided a platform for artistes who include comedians, musicians and spoken word artistes to perform over the years. It is through this platform that the likes of rapper, Awa Khiwe were discovered by international producers showing the impact the event has on the promotion of local art.

Regional and international artistes who have performed at the festival include Bucie (SA), Deep Fried Man (SA), Black Twang (UK), Symbiz Sound (GER), Silverstone (UK), Cassper Nyovest (SA), Toll A$$ (SA) and A.K.A (SA). — @mthabisi_mthire.