HARARE - Zimbabwe’s longest running urban culture festival, Shoko Festival, has announced the line-up for Mash Up Night, taking place on Friday 25th September 2026 at Harare Gardens.
This year’s event brings together a dynamic line-up of Zim hip hop stars and rising young urban acts - reflecting Shoko Festival’s longstanding role as a platform for Zimbabwe’s urban culture and emerging talent.
Headlining Shoko for the first time ever will be Saintfloew, one of the most influential artists to emerge from in the country in the last 5 years. The rapper has not only cemented his status as a hitmaker but as one of the best stage performers, if not the best, as far as Zimbabwe is concerned.
Returning to the Shoko Festival stage as a headliner is Zim hip hop royalty, Voltz JT. Known for his sharp social commentary and thought-provoking lyrics, his return adds a distinctive hip hop voice to a line-up that celebrates the diversity of Zimbabwe’s urban music scene.
Talented rapper Mugaratia is also no stranger to the event, having performed at the 2024 edition of Shoko's Peace In The Hood concert in Chitungwiza. He returns this year to showcase his undeniable growth since his last performance on another one of the festival's stages.
Curated by Dennis Shoko, the Mash Up Night programme is intentionally diverse and set to be an extremely unique musical experience as the performing artists will all be backed by a full live band.
"When putting together the Mash Up Nights lineup, the idea was really to celebrate Zim hip hop in all its different forms. These are artists who have shaped the culture, artists who are carrying it forward, and audiences who have grown up alongside the music," shared Mash Up Night curator Dennis Shoko.
High-riding songstress Xiba, one of the country’s notable female voices, will make her Shoko Festival debut this year, as will Bulawayo's Bhila, a Zim hip hop artist who blends together Afro-soul and Mbaqanga.
Headliner Saintfloew expressed excitement at the coming edition of the festival, stating that this was a performance he had been waiting for.
"I can’t wait to tear up the Shoko stage. I’ve been waiting for this moment! This is going to be a really unique performance so don’t miss it," shared the "Wicked Weekend" hitmaker.
Mashoko Tapes, Shoko Festival's innovative music residency programme, will also be returning for the third edition at the Mash Up Night, complementing the star-studded line-up. The initiative brings together the festival’s Mash Up Night performers in a collaborative environment to produce an original album, fostering artistic growth amongst Zimbabwe’s hip hop & urban artists.
Supermuno, Millz Million, Easy Ice, Luigi Badgenna, and Hooksmith will complement Bhila as part of the Mashoko Tapes Volume 3, which will be released as a lead-up to the Mash Up Night.
Capping off the line-up is the renowned DJ, MadeHerBelieve, set to ignite the decks and deliver an unforgettable set that will echo long after the final beat.
Tickets for the Mash Up Night are currently on sale online via www.shokofestival.co.zw and from Elixir Liquor Stores nationwide or at Moto Republik, 3 Allan Wilson Avenue, Harare.