Shoko Festival 2023: Zimbabwe’s Urban Culture Celebration Returns
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Shoko Festival, Zimbabwe’s longest running festival ofurban culture, is back for its 12th edition from September 28 to 30 in Harare and Chitungwiza.
The festival, which was founded by Magamba Network in 2011, features a diverse programme of events that showcase the best of urban culture, such as music, comedy, spoken word, workshops, conferences and artist panels.
Shoko festival also creates a space that celebrates and promotes free expression and politically conscious art.
This year’s theme is ‘The Take Back’, which reflects the festival’s aim to reclaim the narrative of urban culture and empower the voices of young people in Zimbabwe.
The festival will also highlight the role of urban culture in addressing social issues and fostering positive change.
The festival will kick off with the Mash Up Night and Women Cypher on September 28 at Moto Republik, where local and regional artistes will perform a mix of genres and styles, such as hip hop, house, dancehall, afrobeat and more; and the latter where women will engage in a hip hop cypher session.
The second day of the festival will feature the popular Shoko Comedy Roast, where comedians will roast each other in a hilarious battle of wits and insults occurring at Reps Theatre, hosted by Simuka Comedy. The roast will feature some of the best comedians, actors and musicians from Zimbabwe and beyond.
The festival will also host the Hub Unconference on September 28 and 29 at Moto Republik, where various speakers and panelists will share their insights and experiences on topics related to urban culture, such as digital media, entrepreneurship, activism, innovation and more.
The festival will wrap up with the Peace In The Hood Concert on September 30 at Unit L Community Hall in Chitungwiza, where local artistes will perform for the community and spread messages of peace and unity. The concert will also feature a graffiti exhibition, a breakdance competition and a rap battle.
Shoko Festival is supported by various partners and sponsors, such as the European Union, HIVOS, British Council, Culture Fund and more. The festival is expected to attract thousands of urban culture enthusiasts from Zimbabwe and beyond.
