HARARE – Zimbabwe’s longest-running urban culture festival, Shoko Festival, is set to light up Harare and Chitungwiza from the 26th to the 28th of September with an exciting lineup of performances and events that promise to celebrate local and international talent. This year’s festival, themed #BothSidesOfSamora, will unite diverse cultures and backgrounds with headline performances from some of the biggest names in urban culture.
By Plot Mhako
South African-based hip-hop queen Nadia Nakai, Zimdancehall sensation Master H, chart-topping rapper Voltz JT, rising hip-hop star Kayflow, and Afro-pop powerhouse Tamy Moyo are all slated to headline the event. One of the festival’s most anticipated acts is Zimbabwean-born, US-based comedian Learnmore Jonasi, who has gained international fame for his viral performances on America’s Got Talent, where he reached the Finals. Jonasi will headline Shoko Comedy Night in a special homecoming show, marking his first Zimbabwe appearance since his rise to fame on the global stage.
Running under the theme #BothSidesOfSamora, the festival aims to bridge the historic divide between the North and South, symbolized by the road named after Samora Machel, which has often represented the separation of different social classes. Festival Director Samm Farai Monro, also known as Comrade Fatso, explained,
“This year, we’re celebrating Zimbabweans who are doing it big on the international stage. We are proud to bring home talents like Learnmore Jonasi and Nadia Nakai. At the same time, we are excited to showcase powerful new Zimbabwean urban acts that challenge the norm. Shoko 2024 is about uniting urban culture from both sides of Samora.”
The festival will kick off in Harare Gardens on September 26th with Shoko Comedy Night, headlined by Jonasi. It will then move on to Mash Up Night on September 27th, featuring over 15 acts, including Nadia Nakai and Kayflow. The grand finale, Peace in the Hood, will take place on September 28th at the Unit L Community Hall Grounds in Chitungwiza, with performances by Master H, Voltz JT, Young Gemini, Tamy Moyo, and more.
In addition to music and comedy, Shoko Festival 2024 will also host the Hub Unconference at Moto Republik from September 24th to 25th. This creative and digital event will bring together over 8 international speakers and 20 local experts to discuss emerging trends in artificial intelligence, civic tech, and digital media, making it a dynamic platform for innovation and dialogue.
As a project of Magamba Network, Shoko Festival celebrates free expression, cutting-edge urban art, and alternative youth culture. This year’s edition promises to stir things up while spotlighting Zimbabwean talent and fostering unity between communities from all corners of the city.
Festival-goers can expect a vibrant week filled with diverse performances, dance, music, comedy, and thought-provoking discussions at the Hub Unconference. Shoko Festival 2024 is set to once again cement its place as a key platform for Zimbabwean urban culture.
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