Shoko Festival 13th edition out to promote youngsters

THE 13th edition of one of Zimbabwe’s longest running festivals of urban culture, Shoko Festival, is this year going all out to promote youngsters, true to the theme of the year, #TheTakeBack.

The theme is a clarion call for young Zimbabweans to reclaim their space and their art in order to create a better future for all.

The festival is set to run from September 28 to 30 in Harare and Chitungwiza.

This year’s edition will feature a star-studded line up of headline acts including the Nama-award winning rapper Bling4, globetrotting Zimbabwean singer Gemma Griffiths, popular Afrobeats artiste Nutty O, versatile songstress Noluntu J and maskandi music duo of Aphiwe and Sobancane.

Also headlining the festival is South Africa’s Xabiso Vili – the current World Poetry Slam Champion – and Botswana’s multi award winning Afro pop artiste, Jordan Moozy.

Shoko Festival media liaison officer Kudzayi Zvinavashe said the festival will feature a variety of events, including the opening Mash Up night, the popular Shoko Comedy Roast, the Hub Unconference, and the Peace In The Hood Concert.

“This year, we are giving the people an inspiring three days of powerful music, thought-provoking talks and riotous laughter.

“Join us to hear young people reclaim their voices and their art forms. This year’s edition will feature an array of international acts who are set to thrill festival goers. This year’s edition of Shoko Festival will kick off on September 28 at Moto Republik with Mash Up Night. It will host The Women’s Cypher, a live performance by some thrilling female MCs including Young Gemini, Noluntu J and Banshee,” he said.

Zvinavashe said Mash Up Night will feature a variety of musical performances, including never-seen-before mashups of urban, traditional and electronic music genres.

“Curated by artiste Thando Mlambo’s Dark Art Matter(s) collective, Mash Ups Night will take the audience on a sonic journey featuring the likes of rising hip hop star Noluntu J, the maskandi duo Apiwe and Sobancane and electronic producer DJ Rori.

“Xabiso Vili and Jordan Moozy will also feature at Mash Up Night. On September 29, Reps Theatre will host the hugely popular Shoko Roast which sold out last year when former Norton legislator, Temba Mliswa, was the Roastee. This year’s Roast presented by Simuka Comedy is set to live up to its billing as it will feature the outspoken serial entrepreneur, Kuda Musasiwa on the hot seat. Also known as Begotten Sun, Kuda Musasiwa wears many hats including Farmer, Entrepreneur, Music Producer, Activist and Husband. With top comedian Doc Vikela as the Roast Master and the likes of R Peels, Candace Mwakalyelye and Ricky Fire as panelists it looks set to be a hilarious evening,” he said.

Zvinavashe said as per tradition, the festival will close its curtains with Peace In The Hood, a day-long music event in Chitungwiza Unit L on September 30.

“Shoko’s main event will feature Bling 4, Gemma Griffiths and Nutty O for an electric shutdown of the festival. Also on the line up are Bagga, Mycole Biller and Hwinza amongst other acts.

“Shoko Festival remains true to its values of providing a platform for both emerging and established artists. The festival ensures alternative urban artists get to share the same stage with the biggest artists in the land,” said Zvinavashe.

Shoko Festival is a celebration of free expression, cutting edge urban art and alternative youth culture. The festival is a project of Magamba Network, Africa’s trailblazing creative and digital media organisation. @mthabisi_mthire