Harare – Zimbabwe’s longest-running festival of urban culture, Shoko Festival, has unveiled two groundbreaking additions to its highly anticipated Mash Up Night, sealing off a star-studded line-up for its landmark 15th Edition. Taking place on Friday, September 26th at Harare Gardens, the night will now feature South African rap legend turned Amapiano sensation Reason AKA Sizwe Alakine alongside UK’s award-winning rapper OneDa.
By Plot Mhako
SAMA-winning artist Reason AKA Sizwe Alakine, who is currently nominated for Best S.A Hip Hop Album of the Year, has successfully evolved from being one of South Africa’s most respected hip hop voices into a pioneer of the amapiano wave. Known for his socially conscious lyricism and genre-bending artistry, Sizwe Alakine will deliver a rare Hip Hop vs Amapiano Sound Clash at Shoko Festival, showcasing both his hip hop roots and his amapiano mastery.
Adding an international edge is OneDa, the Manchester-based rapper, producer and poet whose reputation continues to soar across the UK scene. With support from BBC 6 Music, BBC 1Xtra and BBC Radio 1, she was recently highlighted as BBC Introducing’s One to Watch. At Shoko, OneDa is set to collaborate with Zimbabwean rising stars Yadis and Enhle, further strengthening the festival’s mission of fostering global creative exchanges.
“We’re so excited to have Reason AKA Sizwe Alakine headline Shoko Festival this year as he embodies what this year’s festival is about: building an urban culture legacy,” said 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.”
These new additions join an already packed Mash Up Night line-up featuring Zim hip hop star Sane Wav and iconic producer Take Fizzo, who will present a special showcase with Mafriq, Trinity, MC Chita, Mau Mau, Tererai & Nembo Bwoy, celebrating Zimbabwe’s urban grooves legacy. The evening will also highlight an exclusive performance blending Kenyan spoken word artist Mufasa with the Arundel School Music Department’s Jazz Band, Choir and Orchestra, as well as new collaborations from the Mashoko Tapes residency.
Beyond Mash Up Night, Shoko Festival 2025 will feature Comedy Night on September 25th headlined by King Kandoro, and the free community concert Peace In The Hood on September 27th in Chitungwiza, with performances from Bagga, Young Fantan, Runna Rulez, Madedido and Jnr Spragga.
Tickets are available via www.flippintickets.co.zw and at Moto Republik, Harare.
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