Harare – Zimbabwe’s longest-running festival of urban culture, Shoko Festival, has completed its star-studded line-up for the landmark 15th edition with two groundbreaking additions to its Mash Up Night. South African hip hop legend turned Amapiano sensation Reason AKA Sizwe Alakine and UK’s award-winning rapper OneDa will headline the flagship event on Friday, September 26th at Harare Gardens.

Reason AKA Sizwe Alakine, a South African Music Awards (SAMA) winner and current nominee for Best S.A Hip Hop Album of the Year, is set to deliver a rare Hip Hop vs Amapiano sound clash. Renowned for his versatility, the artist transitioned from being one of South Africa’s most respected hip hop voices into a pioneering force in amapiano. Festival-goers can expect a genre-bending performance that captures his evolution and socially conscious lyricism.

Adding an international dimension, Manchester’s own OneDa – an award-winning rapper, producer, and poet – will take to the stage with her signature sharp lyricism, melodic vocals, and punchy delivery. Backed by global platforms such as BBC Radio 1, BBC 6 Music, and 1Xtra, OneDa was recently named BBC Introducing’s One to Watch by the AIM Independent Music Awards. While in Zimbabwe, she will also collaborate with rising local artists Yadis and Enhle, bridging UK rap with Zimbabwe’s urban sound.

“We’re so excited to have Reason AKA Sizwe Alakine headline Shoko this year as he embodies what this year’s festival is about: building an urban culture legacy. He’s a veteran of South African hip hop who has been a key player on the scene for two decades and remains hugely influential with his recent shift to Amapiano,” said Shoko Festival Director Samm Farai Monro AKA Comrade Fatso. “We also can’t wait to see UK rapper OneDa’s collaboration with Yadis and Enhle – which shows Shoko’s commitment to creating platforms for international growth for our alternative urban artists. This year’s Mash Up Night will be a real mash-up of different genres as hip hop clashes with amapiano while UK rap meets our urban sounds.”

The additions of Sizwe Alakine and OneDa complement an already stacked line-up featuring Zimbabwean hip hop star Sane Wav and legendary producer Take Fizzo, who will headline with a showcase of his greatest hits. Backed by live performances from Mafriq, Trinity, MC Chita, Mau Mau, Tererai, and Nembo Bwoy, Fizzo’s set promises to transport audiences through the history of Zimbabwe’s urban grooves.

Mash Up Night will also feature a unique collaboration between outspoken Kenyan spoken word artist Mufasa and the Arundel School Music Department’s Jazz Band, Choir, and Orchestra. Meanwhile, Zimbabwean acts Segulm, Briza, Paintafresco, Yadis, and Enhle will debut new tracks created under the Mashoko Tapes residency, a Shoko initiative fostering cross-genre experimentation and innovation in the local urban music scene.

Beyond Mash Up Night, Shoko Festival 2025 offers a diverse programme. Comedy Night, set for Thursday, September 25th, will be headlined by comedy heavyweight King Kandoro, alongside Kenya’s satirical sensation Justine Wanda and Zimbabwean favorites Mike Chipere, Munya, Mbongeni Ignatius Ndlovu, and DJ Iroq. The festival will close with its community-driven signature event, Peace In The Hood, on Sunday at Chitungwiza’s Unit L grounds, featuring Bagga, Young Fantan, Runna Rulez, Madedido, and Jnr Spragga, whose hit “MaRulez” continues to dominate streaming platforms.

Tickets are available online via www.flippintickets.co.zw

 and at the Moto Republik box office, with early bird prices set at $10 for Mash Up Night and $15 for Comedy Night. A combo ticket for both is available at $20 in advance, while Peace In The Hood remains free to the public.

Shoko Festival, organised by Magamba Network, remains a cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s urban culture, celebrating free expression, alternative youth culture, and cutting-edge art.

For updates and ticket details, visit: https://shokofestival.co.zw