With a decade-plus of history behind it, Shoko Festival has become a cultural celebration—one that continues to evolve while staying true to its roots. This year’s edition, themed #BothSidesOfSamora, underscored the festival’s mission to unify different communities and explore the complexities of Zimbabwean urban life.
The festivities kicked off at Harare Gardens on September 26 with the highly-anticipated Shoko Comedy Night, headlined by none other than Zimbabwe’s own Learnmore Jonasi. Fresh off his viral stint on America’s Got Talent, where he nabbed a Golden Buzzer from Terry Crews, Jonasi made his triumphant homecoming, turning his first local show since then into a landmark moment for Zimbabwean stand-up. The night was a big win for comedy fans and a bold opener that set the tone for a festival dedicated to pushing creative boundaries.
From there, Shoko shifted gears and took on a harder edge with the Mash Up Night on September 27. Curated by AneUnhu Gwatidzo, the night was a love letter to hip-hop, packed with over 15 acts bringing their A-game to a high-energy stage. South African rap star Nadia Nakai was the main draw, delivering a fierce, crowd-thumping performance that cemented her status as one of Southern Africa’s brightest hip-hop exports.
But the local scene held its own: Kayflow, whose gritty lyrics reflect the raw realities of Harare’s high-density neighborhoods, was a standout, along with fiery sets from rising talents like Banshee, Bhekiwe Dube, and Ray Kaz. Mash Up Night proved once again that Shoko is not just a festival but a launchpad for local and regional talent to shine.
The crescendo of this three-day cultural marathon was the grand finale, Peace In The Hood, held in Chitungwiza’s Unit L Community Hall Grounds. Over 10,000 people turned up, turning the space into a sea of dancing bodies and vibrant energy. The line-up featured some of Zimbabwe’s hottest artists, including Master H, Tamy Moyo, Young Gemini, and Voltz JT, each delivering dynamic performances that kept the crowd hyped from start to finish. Peace In The Hood has always been more than just a concert—it’s a celebration of community and a statement on the power of music to bring people together.
But music was just one facet of Shoko’s cultural mosaic. The festival’s events stretched beyond the stage to include the Hub Unconference—a two-day series of workshops and panels on digital media, technology, and the creative economy. This year, the Unconference continued its tradition of fostering dialogue on cutting-edge topics, helping young creators gain insights into the future of the arts in Zimbabwe and beyond.
Shoko Festival 2024 wasn’t just about spectacle; it was about substance, blending thought-provoking content with electrifying performances. For a festival that prides itself on celebrating alternative youth culture and free expression, Shoko stayed true to its core, delivering an experience that felt authentic and relevant. As the final beats echoed through Chitungwiza and the last laughs faded from Harare Gardens, one thing was clear: Shoko isn’t just Zimbabwe’s longest-running urban festival—it’s a vital cultural force, setting the pace for a new generation of Zimbabwean creatives.
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