Zimbabwean hip-hop stars Saintfloew and Voltz JT will headline this year’s Mash Up Night at the 16th edition of Shoko Festival, organisers have announced.

The event, scheduled for 25 September at Harare Gardens, will bring together established Zim Hip Hop acts and emerging urban artists as the country’s longest-running urban culture festival continues its focus on promoting youth culture and creative expression.

Saintfloew, who will perform at Shoko Festival for the first time, joins the line-up on the back of chart-topping releases including Uchazondida and Gucci N Dior.

Organisers said his growing reputation as a live performer was expected to make his debut one of the highlights of the festival.

Voltz JT will return to the Shoko stage as a headliner, bringing his socially conscious lyrics and commentary to the Mash Up Night programme.

Other performers include rapper Mugaratia, songstress Xiba and Bulawayo-based artist Bhila, who is known for blending Afro-soul and Mbaqanga.

Mugaratia previously performed at the 2024 edition of the festival during Peace In The Hood in Chitungwiza and will return this year to showcase his musical growth.

Xiba, meanwhile, will make her Shoko Festival debut after establishing herself as one of the emerging female voices in Zimbabwe’s urban music scene.

The organisers said this year’s Mash Up Night would offer a different musical experience, with all performers backed by a full live band.

Mash Up Night curator Dennis Shoko said the line-up was designed to showcase the different forms of Zim Hip Hop while providing a platform for both established and emerging artists.

“When putting together the Mash Up Nights lineup, the idea was really to celebrate ZimHipHop 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.

“This is a safe and mature environment to watch ZimHipHop acts. Come through,”Shoko said.

Saintfloew said he was looking forward to making his debut at the festival.

“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,” he said.

Voltz JT said he was excited to return to the festival and urged fans to bring the same energy he experienced during his previous appearance.

“I’m so excited to be performing at the Shoko Festival Mash Up night. Last time I was there it was amazing! I hope you bring the same energy. Let’s celebrate culture and music together on the 25th of September,” he said.

The Mash Up Night programme will also feature the return of Mashoko Tapes for its third edition.

The music residency brings together performers from the festival to collaborate on an original album aimed at fostering artistic development among Zimbabwean hip-hop and urban musicians.

Supermuno, Millz Million, Easy Ice, Luigi Badgenna and Hooksmith will join Bhila as part of Mashoko Tapes Volume 3, which organisers said would be released ahead of Mash Up Night.

DJ MadeHerBelieve will round off the line-up with a headline DJ set.

Shoko Festival, a project of Magamba Network, is now in its 16th edition and has established itself as a platform for alternative youth culture, urban music and free expression in Zimbabwe.