By Victor Fanuel
HARARE- The much-anticipated Shoko Festival kicks off today, with the Voice2Rep watch party setting the tone for the urban extravaganza.
The Shoko Festival’s 12th edition will run until October 1st, with the theme PARTYcipate.
PARTYcipate is a rallying cry for young people to participate in public processes that shape their future, such as elections.
The Voice2Rep watch party, which kick-starts courtesy of a partnership between Magamba Network and Accountability Lab, will be hosted at the main festival hub, the Moto Republik, courtesy of a collaboration between Magamba Network and Accountability Lab.
Voice2Rep will feature 10 artists competing in a search for underground music artists that advocate greater representation, participation, and accountability across Nigeria, Liberia, and Zimbabwe.
The Women’s Cypher, which will showcase and celebrate women’s contributions to urban culture, will take place on Wednesday.
On Friday, the Reps Theatre will host the much-anticipated comedy roast of outspoken Norton MP Temba Mliswa.
Panelists to Mliswa’s roast comedy show include controversial and self-proclaimed Prophet Madungwe, musician Vimbai Zimuto, Lorraine Guyo, Sokostina, Ckanyiso Dat Guy, Bustop TV founder Lucky Aaron, and Comrade Fatso.
The 808 after party will take place on Friday night at the festival’s hub, Moto Republik.
Peace in the Hood in Chitungwiza, headlined by Freeman, Voltz JT, Crooger, Kikky Badass, Tanto Wavie, and Luminous, will be the festival’s final musical and arts show on Saturday.
The annual Hub UnConference, runs concurrently with the Shoko Festive, will feature events such as the Annual State of the Internet Address, the Women Create Worlds Summit, the Mayors’ Forum, and the Africa Satire Convention.
