Shoko Festival calls for applications

Langalakhe Mabena

One of the country’s most vibrant festivals, Shoko Festival, has made a call to artistes from different walks of life to apply to participate at this year’s edition.

The organisers of the event have already started receiving applications with the deadline set for 31 May. This year’s event will run under the theme “#BothSidesOfSamora.

Targeted creatives who are targeted as participants can showcase their talent, message and creativity at Zimbabwe’s biggest celebration of free expression includes poets, comedians, artists, musicians, and dancers.

In a statement, organisers of the Shoko Festival said, “We are thrilled to announce our call for artists from all corners of the country to be part of the ultimate urban culture celebration, Shoko Festival.

Join us for the highly anticipated 2024 edition of Zimbabwe’s longest running festival of urban culture where we celebrate #BothSidesOfSamora – the young movers and shakers shaping Zimbabwe’s future and turning dreams into reality!

“Our theme #BothSidesOfSamora shines a light on the road that has historically separated different social classes. Different genres and cultures have often been divided by Samora Machel Avenue.

Shoko Festival 2024 will be happening on both sides of Samora – from the Avenues to Chitungwiza! We will be building a platform that showcases the bubbling urban culture from up town and downtown, from the suburbs to the hood.

The festival will be the ultimate people’s party where everyone, from every background, tribe, or class, can come together and vibe out.

Whether you’re a wordsmith ready to grace our poetry night, a comedic genius destined to shine on our comedy night, or a musical maestro or dance dynamo eager to light up the stage at Mash Up night and the Peace In the Hood Concert – we want you to bring your unique artistry to our festival.

If you have music with a message, art that challenges boundaries or you just want to speak truth to power with your verses, then this is your festival,” reads the statement.