Call for applications: 2020 Shoko Festival in Zimbabwe

Interested artists can submit applications online here or via email at [email protected].

Applicants are encouraged to send audio and video attachments to the above email. More information is available in the application form.

The event, which is in its 10th edition, will run under the themeThe Phoenix Edition and will comprise physical and virtual elements.

“With COVID-19 and the lockdown, we’ve been through a crazy, challenging time as Zimbabweans,” Shoko Festival director Comrade Fatso said. “So we decided on the theme of The Phoenix Edition so we can use the arts to inspire and rise like the proverbial bird after a time of chaos.

“On the positive side, lockdown has pushed us to be even more creative than before and this year’s Shoko will feature some really amazing, trailblazing virtual innovations in terms of dope digital programming.”

Shoko Festival is one of Zimbabwe’s most popular and longest-running urban culture festival. Over the years, the festival has provided a platform for musicians, comedians and spoken-word artists. The festival also hosts free conferences, workshops and panels, and aims to give upcoming artists in different urban genres an opportunity to perform and increase their fan base.