The 16th edition of Shoko Festival has kicked off in Harare, with music, comedy and digital discussions taking place in Harare and Chitungwiza under the theme “Unmuted.”
The festival, which runs from September 23 to 26, opened on Wednesday with a Sofar Sounds pop-up at Harare Gardens featuring Cingi, Vicky Soulful, Bhanshee and Kuda Rice.
The programme continues tonight, September 24, with the Shoko Festival Comedy Night at Harare Gardens.
The comedy showcase will be headlined by Zimbabwean comedian Nigel Maritinyu, popularly known as Nigel the Slick Pastor, and South African comedian Vafa Naraghi, who will be making his Shoko Festival debut.
They will be supported by Neville Nyoni, known as Neville Bird, and Glad Syre Chipenzi, while Sharon Chideu, popularly known as Magi, will host the evening.
The festival’s music programme continues on September 25 with Mash Up Night at Harare Gardens, featuring Saintfloew, Voltz JT, OneDa from the United Kingdom, Mugaratia and Xiba.
Artists from the Mashoko Tapes platform – Bhila, Supermuno, Millz Million, Easy Ice, Luigi Badgenna and Hooksmith – are also scheduled to perform following the release of Mashoko Tapes Volume 3.
Shoko Festival Coordinator Natasha Sipanera said the programme was designed to reflect the festival’s focus on established artists as well as emerging talent.
“This year’s edition lineup is a testament to Shoko Festival’s commitment to celebrating local stars and providing a platform to unheralded talent, in tandem with this year’s theme, Unmuted. Expect fireworks during the three-day event with Comedy Night, Mash Up Night and Peace In The Hood in Chitungwiza on Saturday.”
The festival will close on September 26 with the Peace In The Hood concert in Chitungwiza Unit L, headlined by Nisha Ts, real name Anisha Tashinga Shonhiwa.
Nisha Ts will be joined on the line-up by Hwinza, Yadis, Tanto Wavie and Young Gemini.
The performance comes as Nisha Ts promotes her second album, Tsigamugobo, and she said appearing at Shoko remained significant because of the festival’s focus on Zimbabwean creativity and young people.
“Shoko Festival is a very special platform for me because it celebrates Zimbabwean culture, creativity and the voices of young people. Being part of a festival that continues to bring people together through music and art is an honour. I’m looking forward to connecting with the audience, sharing my music and being part of another memorable Shoko experience.”
Beyond the entertainment programme, Shoko Festival is also hosting The Hub Unconference from September 24 to 25, bringing together discussions around digital media, civic technology and the creative economy.
The programme will feature panel discussions, masterclasses, debates, live podcasts, creative pop-ups and interactive showcases.
Speakers include Angela Kilisungu and Nkumi Mtingwa from Tanzania, Antonio Kisembo and Samuel Eibu from Uganda, Willson Chivhanga from Malawi, as well as Zimbabweans Darlington Chugumbu, Linda Mujuru and Joice Svitwa.
The conference programme will also feature the Green Cities Expo, with discussions focusing on clean energy and climate change in Africa.
Shoko Festival is a project of Magamba Network.
Tickets for tonight’s Comedy Night are available at the gate for US$20, while entry to Mash Up Night on September 25 is US$15.
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