Zim: Shoko Fest marks 15th edition with expanded Mash Up Night line-up

South African rapper Reason, also known as Sizwe Alakine, and UK hip hop artist OneDa will join the line-up for the festival’s landmark 15th edition.

Reason, a South African Music Awards winner, is currently nominated for Best South African Hip Hop Album of the Year. Having built his reputation as a leading figure in hip hop before shifting into the amapiano genre, his Shoko performance will feature elements of both styles.

Manchester-based artist OneDa, recognised by the AIM Independent Music Awards as a BBC Introducing “One to Watch”, will also perform. She is expected to collaborate with Zimbabwean artists Yadis and Enhle during her visit.

Shoko Festival director Samm Farai Monro, also known as Comrade Fatso, said the inclusion of the two acts reflected the event’s focus on “building an urban culture legacy” while also creating opportunities for international collaboration.

They join a bill that already features Zimbabwean producer Take Fizzo, who will present a retrospective showcase with guest performances by urban grooves pioneers Mafriq, Trinity, MC Chita, Mau Mau, Tererai and Nembo Bwoy. Hip hop artist Sane Wav has also been confirmed.

Other highlights of Mash Up Night include a collaboration between Kenyan spoken word artist Mufasa and the Arundel School Music Department’s jazz band, choir and orchestra. Zimbabwean acts Segulm, Briza, Paintafresco, Yadis and Enhle will perform new material developed through the festival’s Mashoko Tapes residency programme.

Shoko Festival 2025 will open with Comedy Night on 25 September, headlined by comedian King Kandoro, with support from Kenyan satirist Justine Wanda and Zimbabwean performers Mike Chipere, Munya, and Mbongeni Ignatius Ndlovu, as well as DJ Iroq.

The festival will close with Peace In The Hood on 28 September in Chitungwiza. The free event will feature performances by Bagga, Young Fantan, 2024 Zim Hip Hop Best Newcomer Runna Rulez, dancehall artist Madedido and Jnr Spragga.

Tickets are available online and at Moto Republik in Harare. Prices range from $10 to $20, while Peace In The Hood remains free of charge.