Zimbabwe’s biggest urban culture jamboree, Shoko Festival has returned for its 12th edition which is set to run from the 27th of September to the 1st of October.
Themed PARTYcipate, this year’s edition pays special focus to local talent in honour of how local artists kept hope alive during the Covid-19 pandemic. Zimdancehall chanter Freeman, Hip-hop prodigy Voltz JT together with his counterpart Kikky Badass will headline the much-anticipated event.
They will be supported by new hip-hop stars, Trap Sungura pioneer Tanto Wavie, Brian Jeck from Chegutu and Bulawayo-based rapper Luminous. International acts Include TMRS AwaGe and Rhodaha Silvestre from Mozambique, and multi-creative DJ Lady Light from Zambia.
Addressing media, Shoko Festival Director Samm Fara’ Monro said, “this year at Shoko we want to celebrate our amazing local acts. We want to show that local is legit. During the two years of lockdowns and a pandemic, our Zimbabwean artists were the ones who kept us entertained and motivated while we were stuck at home. At the same time the local arts sector suffered massively due to a lack of five shows with venues being closed. So this year all our headline acts are proudly Zimbabwean as we salute the power of our artists! So come through and participate”
“This year’s theme, PARTYcipate, is also a clarion call to encourage young people to be part of public processes that define their future. The theme is befitting of the election season that is upon us.”
Events lined up for this year include the Voice 2 Rep Watch Party, the Women’s Cypher, Mash Up Night, the Roast of Temba MIrswa and the main event, Peace in the Hood in Chitungwaa.
