Fresh from the release of her second career album, Tsigamugobo, Nisha Ts is set to take centre stage at one of Zimbabwe’s biggest urban culture gatherings when she headlines the final day of the 16th edition of Shoko Festival on Saturday.
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Read E-PaperThe musician will lead the Peace In The Hood concert in Chitungwiza’s Unit L, bringing the festival to a close after four days of music, comedy and creative industry activities held under the theme “Unmuted.”
For Nisha Ts, the performance comes at a significant point in her career as she continues to build momentum around her latest project.
She said performing at Shoko was an opportunity to connect with audiences while contributing to a festival that has created space for Zimbabwean artists and young creatives.
“Shoko Festival is a very special platform for me because it celebrates Zimbabwean culture, creativity and the voices of young people,” she said.
“I’m looking forward to connecting with the audience, sharing my music and being part of another memorable Shoko experience.”
Nisha Ts will share the Peace In The Hood stage with Hwinza, Yadis, Tanto Wavie and Young Gemini, giving audiences a mix of established and emerging urban acts.
The Chitungwiza finale follows a packed programme that opened on September 23 with a Sofar Sounds pop-up at Harare Gardens, featuring Cingi, Vicky Soulful, Bhanshee and Kuda Rice.
Comedy takes centre stage on Thursday, with Nigel tha Slick Pastor and South African comedian Vafa Naraghi headlining the Shoko Festival Comedy Night.
Naraghi will make his debut at the festival, alongside Neville Bird and Glad Syre Chipenzi, with Sharon Chideu, popularly known as Magi, as host.
Friday will see the festival return to music for Mash Up Night, featuring Saintfloew, Voltz JT, UK-based OneDa, Mugaratia and Xiba.
The event will also showcase artists involved in Mashoko Tapes Volume 3, including Bhila, Supermuno, Millz Million, Easy Ice, Luigi Badgenna and Hooksmith.
Mashoko Tapes, now in its third year, is a festival music residency initiative that brings artists together to create an original album while encouraging collaboration and artistic development within Zimbabwe’s hip-hop and urban music scene.
Shoko Festival coordinator Natasha Sipanera said the programme was deliberately designed to create space for both established names and emerging artists.
“This year’s edition line up is a testament to Shoko Festival’s commitment to celebrating local stars and providing a platform to unheralded talent, in tandem with this year’s theme, Unmuted,” Sipanera said.
Away from the entertainment stages, the festival is also hosting The Hub Unconference, running from September 24 to 25 and focusing on digital media, civic technology and the creative economy.
The programme includes panel discussions, masterclasses, debates, live podcasts, creative pop-ups and interactive showcases featuring speakers from Zimbabwe and other African countries.
The festival will also host the Green Cities Expo, which will focus on clean energy and climate change solutions across Africa.
