The Legacy XV: Shoko Festival Celebrates 15 years
By Innocent Veremu
Zimbabwe’s Shoko Festival will celebrate its 15th edition from 25–27 September 2025 in Harare and Chitungwiza, under the banner “The Legacy XV.” The milestone event honours 15 years of artistic innovation, creative freedom, and the growth of urban culture in Zimbabwe and beyond.
Global Partnership for Peace
Organisers have announced an exciting collaboration with the UK-based arts collective Arcadia and global non-profit In Place of War, renowned for supporting creative communities in conflict-affected regions. Together, they are launching Build The Peace, an artistic exchange linking young creators from Zimbabwe and the UK.
The project will produce a co-designed mural that debuts at Glastonbury Festival in June 2025 before being showcased at Shoko’s flagship Peace in the Hood event in Chitungwiza.
“In an era where conflict dominates headlines, this collaboration is a clarion call for peace—using art and culture as catalysts for unity,” said Shoko Festival Coordinator Vera Chisvo.
A Platform for Urban Expression
Since its 2011 debut, Shoko Festival has become a leading stage for music, comedy, spoken word, and digital culture, amplifying marginalized voices and fostering creative freedom. The festival has provided a launchpad for emerging talent and a platform for established artists to engage Zimbabwe’s vibrant urban audience.
This year’s programme stays true to that spirit, with performances across multiple venues. Highlights include a major homecoming by acclaimed comedian King Kandoro as part of his global comedy tour, alongside acts such as Bagga, Runna Rulez, Madedido, and Jnr Spragga.
Digital Justice and Civic Tech
Shoko Festival week opens with The Hub UnConference (24–25 September), Zimbabwe’s premier civic tech gathering. Under the theme “Decolonise the Internet,” it will examine colonial legacies in digital systems, artificial intelligence, data governance, disinformation, and online narratives, drawing innovators and thought leaders from across Africa.
Closing with Peace in the Hood
The festival finale, Peace in the Hood, will once again bring thousands together for a free community concert at Unit L Grounds, Chitungwiza, celebrating resilience, creativity, and unity.
Tickets are available online and at Moto Republik, 3 Allan Wilson Avenue, Harare. Advance tickets for Comedy Night cost $15 (gate: $20), Mash Up Nights are $10 (gate: $15), and a double-entry pass for both nights is available for $20.