The leading festival of urban culture, Shoko Festival, is marking a significant milestone this year as it celebrates its 15th anniversary under the theme “The Legacy XV.” The festival, set to take place from September 25 to 27, 2025, continues to champion freedom of creative expression, civic engagement, and international collaboration, making it a focal point on the cultural calendar of Southern Africa.
For over a decade, Shoko Festival which is organised by Magamba Network, has served as a vital platform for emerging and established voices in music, spoken word, digital media, and comedy. As Zimbabwe’s longest-running urban culture festival, it has created space for artistic experimentation and social commentary at a time when such avenues remain essential yet limited. This year’s edition not only pays tribute to its own journey but also expands its reach with an unprecedented international partnership aimed at fostering peace through art.
One of the most notable announcements for Shoko 2025 is the festival’s collaboration with UK-based Arcadia and In Place of War, a global organization that supports cultural movements in areas affected by conflict and crisis. The trio is launching the pilot phase of Build The Peace, a creative exchange between Zimbabwean and British urban artists. The initiative seeks to counteract global narratives of conflict by promoting unity and dialogue through visual arts and performance.
A mural co-created by young artists from Zimbabwe and the UK will be unveiled at Glastonbury Festival in June 2025, one of the largest music festivals in the world. This powerful artwork will then be transported to Zimbabwe to feature at Shoko Festival’s Peace in the Hood, the festival’s free-entry closing concert held annually in Chitungwiza. This partnership reflects a growing trend in global cultural diplomacy, where art serves as a bridge across geographies, ideologies, and generations.
“This collaborative project is timely in a world where headlines are increasingly dominated by war and hostility. Build The Peace is a clarion call for communities to turn to creativity as a tool for healing and connection,” said Vera Chisvo, Shoko Festival coordinator. She added that the initiative reinforces the festival’s commitment to not only celebrating urban culture but also to catalyzing peace and solidarity through grassroots creativity.
Running alongside the main festival is the Hub UnConference, Zimbabwe’s foremost civic tech gathering, from September 24 to 25. This year’s theme, “Decolonize the Internet,” tackles critical global concerns such as biased AI systems, misinformation, digital colonialism, and data justice. The forum is expected to attract policymakers, academics, activists, and tech innovators seeking to reshape digital infrastructures to better serve Global South communities.
In the spirit of cultural celebration, Shoko 2025 promises an eclectic mix of performances. Comedy lovers will welcome the return of King Kandoro, one of Zimbabwe’s most beloved comedians, fresh off his international tour. Rising musical talents including Bagga, Runna Rulez, Madedido, and the chart-topping Jnr Spragga are also set to perform, underscoring Shoko’s continued role in shaping Zimbabwe’s contemporary music scene.
Tickets are already available online at flippingtickets.co.zw and at Moto Republik, Harare’s leading creative hub. Festival passes offer affordable access to a dynamic range of programming, including music nights, comedy shows, digital dialogues, and art showcases. Comedy Night advance tickets are priced at $15 (gate $20), while Mash Up Night advance tickets are $10 (gate $15). Combined tickets for both shows cost $20.
Shoko Festival culminates with Peace in the Hood at Chitungwiza Unit L Grounds, an iconic event that annually gathers thousands to celebrate unity, resilience, and creativity. Entry is free of charge, affirming the festival’s inclusive spirit and commitment to community empowerment.
