Shoko Festival 2024: The amazing beauty that was Mash Up Night

TAKUDZWA HILLARY CHIWANZA 

HARARE – The one thing that Shoko Festival – Zimbabwe's longest-running urban cultural festival – has been absolutely brilliant at is giving a voice to some of the most talented artistic acts in the country. And this is what we witnessed at this year's edition, most notably with the Mash Up Night on 27 September, 2024. 

Kayflow giving his all during his performance at the Mash Up Night, Shoko Festival 2024. (Image: Mike Milz)

The theme for Shoko Festival 2024 was Both Sides of Samora; and everything about this festival this year was meant to encapsulate this meaning in its whole sense. It was all about bridging the imaginary line that divides the city into the haves and have-nots, something that pervades all areas of life—art included. The invisible line of the 'Samora Machel border' mattered little with the Mash Up Night. And this theme was crystallized with the Peace in the Hood concert in Chitungwiza. 

Held at the Harare Gardens – a central location that brought North Samora and South Samora together – and curated by AneUnhu (many shout-outs to him), Mash Up Night brought a vibe likely to remain etched in the memories of any arts enthusiast for a long time to come. It was a proper celebration of up and coming artists, as well as the established ones, in a way that was magnificently beautiful. 

A sizeable number of artists delivered exceptional performances, more so in light of the limited time-frames they were allotted. The vibrancy of the artists perfectly engendered the essence of urban culture. Clearly, Shoko Festival is the perfect platform for anyone serious with their art. 

Opening the show was DJ Tapiwa with his splendiferous set, providing an eclectic array of electronic sounds that got people ready for all the other acts. One thing about Tapiwa that is not in doubt is his undeniable potential as a creative ready to smash the ceiling. 

For the artists from Voice2Rep, it was not a doubt that their superbness was something they eagerly awaited to show the world. The beautiful array of their artistry was a marvel to witness; blessing the audience with their poetry, rap, vocal, and dance skills that showed their dedication to the art of performance and speaking truth to power, as well as raising important societal issues affecting the youth on such a platform. Banshee took to the stage; the potency of her poetry moving the audience with palpable power. She adeptly showed her inclination towards weaving words together in conveying meaningful messages work up your mind. 

Rutendo Jackie was another artist who graced the stage with her soothing, mellifluous vocals that are simply captivating. And to say captivating might even be an understatement. She added the much-needed variety that gives Mash Up Nights their usual splendour. Bhekiwe Dube was also a refreshing addition to the lineup of artists who performed on the night, bringing an electric feel to the show with her powerful vocals and lively dance skills – sending a clear message that she is an exciting talent to look out for as far as Zimbabwe's music industry is concerned. 

But perhaps the major highlight of the night were the rap performances. RayKaz, Dingo Duke, Dough Major, Paintafresco, Kayflow, and Nadia Nakai all delivered spectacular performances that proved how hip-hop is on its way to becoming the biggest movement in Zimbabwe's urban cultural scene.

RayKaz was suave in his performance; showing that he has what it takes to ultimately make it to some of the country's largest stages. His eloquence and passion on the stage should never be underrated, a sign of how he treats his craft with the seriousness it deserves. After all, it was all about putting the zodies in the spotlight. Dough Major and Dingo Duke, the lords of Shebeen Rap, unequivocally showed us that they have it in them to become stars. Joined on stage by Paintafresco – whose energy can never be ignored – the artists sent a message that they surely mean business. 

RayKaz performing with Bhekiwe

Kayflow went on the stage with the aura of an untouchable rapper who makes a rap performance look so effortless. If there is anyone who may have doubted the power of ZimHipHop in this country, Kayflow's performance easily dispelled that. He performed some of his notable tracks including Ramba Wakadzvanya and Mpfanha Wepa Jecha—and made an important announcement that he is releasing a new project, Nyamadrive EP, which will be out on the 6th of October. Kayflow was simply lovable. It was by all accounts his night. He lived up to the anticipation. 

Kayflow 

Then came Nadia Nakai, the star of the night. The key takeaway from her performance simply comes down to this: she really knows how to do this hip-hop thing without any shred of doubt. She has become indubitably masterful at her skill in ways that are beyond wonderful. The night then closed off with a Bars on Bars rap battle curated by Noble Stylz, that saw Donne Jovi team up with Gilmo to battle the fierce Uchiha Clan—perfectly sanctifying what was a glorious hip-hop night. The rap battle was the climax all rap lovers needed. It was the perfect ending for Mash Up Night that brought both sides of Samora together. Even Samora Machel would have been happy seeing such a show. 

Nadia Nakai (Image: The Big Conversation)

All in all, Shoko Festival's Mash Up Night last Friday was a resplendent event, that provided the right build-up for Peace in the Hood in Chitungwiza the following day. It wholly justified the theme Both Sides of Samora. And we love to see that. And much respect to AneUnhu and Noble Stylz for their efforts.