By BRIDGET MABANDA
Organisers of the annual Shoko Festival have promised fireworks during the 13th edition of the urban culture extravaganza.
The urban culture festival is running under the theme ‘TheTakeBack’, from the 28th to the 30th of September in Harare and the dormitory town of Chitungwiza.
This year’s edition is set to feature NAMA-award winning rapper Bling4, Zimbabwean singer, Gemma Griffiths and popular Afrobeat ace, Nutty O.
Also headlining the festival is South Africa award winning performer, writer, producer and social activist Xabiso Vili who is the current World Poetry Slam Champion and Botswana’s multi award winning Afro pop artist, Jordan Moozy.
Shoko Festival Director, Comrade Fatso said this year’s theme is a call for young Zimbabweans to reclaim their space and their art to create a better future to all.
“This year, we are giving the people an inspiring 3 days of powerful music, thought-provoking talks and riotous laughter,” said Comrade Fatso, “join us to hear young people reclaim their voices and their art forms!”
This year’s edition of Shoko Festival will kick off on Thursday 28th September at Moto Republik with Mash Up Night.
Comrade Fatso said the festival will host the Women’s Cypher, a live performance by thrilling female MCs including Young Gemini, Noluntu, J and Banshee.
He said Mash Ups Night will take the audience on a sonic journey featuring the likes of rising hip hop star Noluntu J, the Maskanda duo Apiwe and Sobncane and electronic producer DJ Rori, Xabiso Vili and Jordan Moozy.
On Friday 29 September, REPS Theatre will host the hugely popular Shoko Roast which sold out last year when former Norton legislator, Themba Mliswa, was the Roastee.
“This year’s Roast presented by Simuka Comedy is set to live up to its billing as it will feature the outspoken serial entrepreneur, Kuda Musasiwa on the hot seat.
“Also known as Begotten Sun, Kuda Musasiwa wears many hats including farmer, entrepreneur, music producer, activist and husband. With top comedian Doc Vikela as the Roast Master and the likes of R Peels, Candace Mwakalyelye and Ricky Fire as panelists it looks set to be a hilarious evening,” he added.
As per tradition, the festival will close its curtains with Peace In The Hood, a day-long music event in Chitungwiza Unit L, on Saturday 30th September.
Shoko Festival is a celebration of free expression, cutting edge urban art and alternative youth culture. The festival is a project of Magamba Network, Africa’s trailblazing creative and digital media organization.
