Mark your festival calendars this year for what’s set to be a special night of music, courtesy of the 2024 Shoko Festival.
Headlined by South African hip hop heavyweight, Mash Up Night is set to be 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 which made it’s debut last year will take place on Friday September 27 at the Harare Gardens mainstage, featuring over 15 performances from some of the most exciting names in the arts. 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 expressed the event would showcase a creative unity from performers
“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.” – AneUnhu
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 Kayflow, Lalla Martin, RayKaz, Shebeen Rap (a duo composed of Dough Major & Dingo Duke), Rutendo Jackie, and Bhekiwé.
“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.” – Vera Chisvo, Shoko Festival Coordinator
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.
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.
For more information, visit the Shoko Festival website here.
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