Anehunhu Takes On Shoko Festival Mash Up Nights.

Zimbabwe’s longest-running festival of urban culture, Shoko Festival, is thrilled to announce
the highly anticipated Mash Up Night, an electrifying showcase that fuses hip hop, dance,
and theatre, all while celebrating Zimbabwe’s rich urban culture and diverse soundscape.
This ground-breaking event will take place on Friday September 27th at Harare Gardens,
featuring over 15 performances from some of the most exciting names in the arts including
South African headliner Nadia Nakai and the rising Zim hip-hop star, Kayflow.

Curated by the seasoned multidisciplinary artist AneUnhu, Mash Up Night promises to
deliver an unforgettable night of storytelling through music and theatre where underground
subgenres meet mainstream hip hop. Known for his critically acclaimed work, AneUnhu has
carefully crafted a performance lineup that will leave a lasting mark on Zimbabwe’s urban
culture landscape. This year’s Shoko Festival is themed #BothSidesOfSamora, with Mash
Up Night set to embody this theme fully. Speaking about the event, AneUnhu says “I am
honoured to be part of this one-night-only variety showcase, exploring life and living with
artists all over the nation, we find there is much more that brings us together than tears us
apart. This event will solidify our creative union as a people, who have stood together
through multiple currencies, cultural impositions, movements, and two republics.”

Shoko Festival Coordinator, Vera Chisvo says, “This is a night where common experiences
that we share as Zimbabweans, from both sides of Samora Machel—the culturally
prosperous, spirited South, and the opulent, lustrous Northern Harare—finally merge to
create a cultural explosion. “

Festival goers are in for an unforgettable evening, with Nadia Nakai, the renowned rap
queen set to make her return to Zimbabwe from South Africa for this special performance.
She will be joined by Kayflow, one of Zimbabwe’s most boundary-pushing hip-hop artists.
Mash Up Night will be a true celebration of Zimbabwean creativity and unity, with the event
drawing inspiration from Bob Marley’s iconic reggae anthem, “Zimbabwe”, as we find
common ground in the heart of Harare.

The uniquely curated programme will feature unforgettable performances by artists such as
Lalla Martin, RayKaz, Shebeen Rap (a duo composed of Dough Major & Dingo Duke),
Rutendo Jackie, and Bhekiwé. Supporting the musical talent will be an incredible band
comprising Jairos Hambahamba (keyboard), Geoffrey Ndekha (drums), Basil Mahachi
(bass), Wellington (guitar), and vocalists Min’enhle & Sher. Performances also include the
young stars from Voice2Rep Zimbabwe, the multi-genre dance ensemble AfriKera, and a
distinctive presentation by the show’s hosts. The night will be rounded off by a first-ever rap
battle entitled ‘King Of Samora’ pitting rappers Donne Jovi & Gilmo against fellow emcees
Fund Reezy & Double Jae. Curated by conscious MC Noble Styles, the rap battle is a
year-long culmination of the regular popular events he organises to find the best battle MC in
the country.

Additionally, audiences will experience world-class lighting, curated by Zimbabwe’s own
internationally renowned lighting designer, Mildred Moyo. Having worked across the globe,
Moyo continues to contribute her expertise to Zimbabwe’s creative industry, enhancing the
magic of the show beyond the stage. Mash Up Night promises to be an all-round experience.
Shoko Festival is Zimbabwe’s longest-running festival of urban culture and celebrates free
expression, cutting-edge urban art, and alternative youth culture. It is a project of Magamba
Network, Africa’s trailblazing creative and digital media organisation.
For more information, visit the Shoko Festival website https://shokofestival.co.zw/.