Noble Stylz presents the King of Samora rap battle at Shoko Festival

Let’s take a step back to January 27th, when I found myself alongside Lee ‘Mbizi’ in a 'sea' of people, all fixated on the stage, witnessing a fierce lyrical showdown. Lee humorously remarked that we were gathered to observe contemporary wordsmiths engage in a clash of wits, utilizing schemes and punchlines as their weapons.

Battle rap is undeniably intense, yet within the realm of hip hop, it thrives on this unfiltered interaction, bringing a certain 'harmony' to audiences worldwide, or at least to every fleeting moment spent decoding intricate verses in real time.

It's akin to watching a live football match without the luxury of replays to capture the essence of a just-scored goal while you were occupied buying roasted peanuts.

The face-off between Raykaz and Donne Jovi was truly monumental.

Harare has witnessed its fair share of such battles, but this particular one struck a chord with those dedicated to championing hip hop culture who were present on the day. As Noble Stylz, the visionary behind this league, always emphasizes, it’s all about preserving #ForTheCulture. This editorial pays homage to that very ethos.

Fast forward to September 27th, and Shoko Festival, under the theme #BothSidesOfSamora, will undoubtedly be the talk of the city. Urban culture will be depicted with the vibrant artistry of talents from all corners of the country, united with a singular objective: to bridge the dichotomy of Samora.

This year, for the inaugural time, battle rap will take center stage with an impressive lineup: Donne Jovi and Gilmo facing off against Fund Reezy and Double Jae. The coveted King of Samora title is at stake, and these formidable contenders, revered in their respective blocs, will spare no effort to claim supremacy.

It’s a battle of intellect, rhetoric, and determination—who will emerge victorious?

This marks a significant moment for the hip hop community in Zimbabwe to engage with the connoisseurs of rap culture and all those who will undoubtedly seize the opportunity to witness this epic showdown. Grab your ticket!