The Shoko Festival once again made history in Chitungwiza, proving that the town’s vibrant music scene is still alive and thriving, from its legendary past to the present day. As Zimbabwe’s longest-running urban culture festival, Shoko continues to be a celebration of free expression, cutting-edge art, and alternative youth culture.

The 2024 edition, themed #BothSidesOfSamora, featured the highly anticipated “Peace In The Hood” event, held at paELO, which attracted a massive crowd. According to Shoko Festival Coordinator Vera Chisvo, this year’s lineup was all about diversity.

“We’re thrilled to celebrate the varied backgrounds of young people united by their love for music and the performing arts. Our star-studded lineup reflects that diversity, and we’ll be announcing even more acts in the coming days,” she said.

With over 10,000 attendees, “Peace In The Hood” turned into a true urban culture extravaganza. The atmosphere was electric, with Xuman from Senegal captivating the audience by singing in French, while local artists like Young Geminiii, Natasha Muz, and Tamy Moyo had the crowd dancing non-stop, showcasing incredible girl power.

Voltz JT, a Chitungwiza born-star, stole the show as the crowd sang along to all his hits, proving the deep connection he shares with his hometown. PaElo was pure magic, with MC Tats energizing the audience, and Master H delivering a Zim Dancehall masterclass to close the event in style.

Shoko Festival’s theme, #BothSidesOfSamora, brought the community together, showing the power of unity and shared voices. This year’s festival lived up to its mission of amplifying unique perspectives and celebrating the rich, diverse culture of Zimbabwe’s urban youth.