Shoko Festival 2025 Celebrates 15 Years of Urban Culture with Zim Hip Hop & Dancehall Firepower

Shoko Festival is back for its 15th edition, running from 25–27 September 2025, and it’s setting the stage for a powerful celebration of Zim Hip Hop, dancehall, and the creative spirit that’s shaped Zimbabwe’s urban culture.

Running under the theme "The Legacy XV", this year’s festival marks a major milestone for Zimbabwe’s longest-running urban culture event. Over the years, Shoko has grown into the epicentre of underground rap, spoken word, alternative art, and has helped launch some of today’s most disruptive voices in hip hop and dancehall.

This year’s lineup is already packing heat:

Bagga is set to perform his latest project, dropping just weeks before the festival. Not forgetting that he's bringing "Mvura" to Chitungwiza!

Runna Rulez, Zim Hip Hop’s 2024 Best Newcomer, is hitting the Shoko stage with fresh energy.

Madedido, a rising Zim dancehall voice shaping the next wave, will bring his raw vibe to the festival.

Jnr Spragga, whose viral hit MaRulez has had the streets talking, brings his energetic dancehall-meets-legacy style to Chitungwiza for what’s set to be a Soul Jah Love-style moment.

🌍 Global Collaboration

In a bold international move, Shoko is linking up with UK-based Arcadia and In Place of War for the Build The Peace project—a Zimbabwe–UK creative exchange promoting peace through urban art.

The collab features a mural co-designed by youth artists from both countries, set to hit Glastonbury and then land in Chitungwiza’s Peace In The Hood, Shoko’s iconic free closing show.

🎤 More Than Just Music

Beyond beats and bars, Shoko hosts The Hub UnConference (Sept 24–25), a civic tech gathering under the theme “Decolonize the Internet.” Expect conversations on AI bias, digital colonisation, and how African creatives can reclaim the digital narrative.

Also returning is the legendary King Kandoro, bringing his global comedy tour home for a headline set.

🎟️ Tickets & Info

Comedy Night: $15 advance / $20 gate

Mash Up Night: $10 advance / $15 gate

Combo Ticket (Both Shows): $20 advance

Available via flippingtickets.co.zw & Moto Republik (3 Allan Wilson Ave)

This year, it’s about honouring 15 years of creative rebellion and setting the tone for the future of Zimbabwean hip hop, dancehall, and digital storytelling.

For more info: shokofestival.co.zw