Online Reporter
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
ZIMBABWEAN music and culture will take centre stage in Europe next month as the Moto Moto Festival 2025 returns to Odonien, Cologne, on July 19, with a powerful lineup of African and diaspora talent.
Now in its second year, the Moto Moto Festival has quickly established itself as a premier European platform for showcasing Zimbabwean and African music, arts, and creativity.
The event is a vibrant celebration of culture, blending traditional African rhythms with contemporary sounds and storytelling.
This year’s edition features some of Zimbabwe’s finest musical exports, including the internationally-acclaimed Mokoomba, soulful songstress Feli Nandi, hip hop artist Probeatz, genre-defying act Wowrae, and fast-rising songstress Mary Anibal.
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Also joining the line-up are Awa Khiwe, a Zimbabwean-Germany rapper known for her fierce lyrics and stage energy, and Mwenje Mathole, whose spiritual fusion of mbira and Afro-jazz continues to captivate audiences globally.
One of the key highlights of this year’s festival is the inclusion of Nisha Ts, the 2025 National Arts Merit Awards (NAMA) second place award winner in the Outstanding Breakthrough Artist (Music) category.
Nisha was selected to replace Chillmaster, the winner, who is unable to travel due to unforeseen circumstances.
Her participation is fully funded by the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ), as part of a growing partnership between the NAMA platform and Moto Moto Festival.
“This partnership is a milestone in promoting Zimbabwean talent on the international stage,” said a representative from the NACZ.
“We are proud to support Nisha Ts and ensure our artists have access to global audiences.”
The festival will feature performers from Germany including DJ C:Mone, Albix, and Zimbabwean-German vocalist Munashe Lorraine, as well as DJ Blaze and Merciless Zim, adding a rich mix of Afro-diasporic sounds to the line-up.
For the first time, Moto Moto will also introduce a Kids Zone, offering creative workshops, games and activities for children, making the festival a truly family-friendly experience.
According to festival curator Plot Mhako, the goal is to build an international platform that doesn’t just celebrate African talent but creates sustainable pathways for its growth and global reach.
“Moto Moto is a bridge,” Mhako said. “A space where African identity is celebrated, not just consumed.”
