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Guide To Enjoying Shoko Festival 2017

It’s finally here, one of Africa’s biggest urban festivals, Shoko Festival. Running under the them Youtopia, Shoko festival aims to be a place where young people are free to express themselves. For the past seven years, Shoko festival has united creatives from around the world. It has been a platform for young, upcoming Zimbabwean artists to showcase their talents. It is also the place where the ordinary citizen can lay back and enjoy an eventful day filled with colour, culture and entertainment. If you are a newbie to the festival, don’t fret, we will be with you at the festival. You might also need guidelines on what to expect and how to enjoy yourself. Take the tips below on how to enjoy Shoko Festival 2017.

1.Feed your mind

For as long as you have signed up to attend, the Hub UnConference is a great platform to learn. A two day conference, the Hub UnConference allows the exchange of ideas and networking. This year is very exciting with the  inaugural Techtopia startup exhibition, Afro Digital and Zim Hip Hop Summit. Techtopia will bring together some of the most promising startups in Zimbabwe. Afro Digital is a Google-sponsored Digital Skills Training is for people with a keen interest in online spaces. The inaugural Zim Hip Hop Summit will bring together artists and other stakeholders in hip hop to share knowledge and have a dialogue.

2. Experience the power of Spoken Word

Do you love poetry weaved and woven to paint pictures and evoke emotion? Well, in the afternoon poets and spoken word artists from all over the world share their works. There is even a competitive section known as ‘slam poetry’ where one poet will impress judges and be the champion.

3. Take a cue from the dancers

Are you a dancer or love dance? Get a feel of hip hop dancing from various groups and individuals.

4. Are you a super nerd?

In the Zimbabwean context, the word ‘nerd’ isn’t part of the vocabulary. Often people with particular tastes are called ‘weird’ or ‘different’ with no pun intended. Well, if you have been a fan of super heroes and comic book, then Comexposed is the place for you. Comexposed helps the creative arts industry connect to share content, create job opportunities, find talent and keep up with trends and developments within the industry. Artists in publishing, design, film, games, and advertising can find a base. Discover Zimbabwean comic books, super heroes and artists at the Comexposed stand.

5. Allow the sun to set with you

You have had a long day and probably want to relax then visit the Sunset Acoustic stage. In partnership with Unplugged, you get to experience mellow, raw and soulful music from various contemporary, jazz and Afro Pop artists.

6. Laughter is the best medicine

Once in a while everybody needs that rib cracking laughter to get through the times. Comedians have made sure that at Shoko Festival all your problems will be like Winky D’s ‘Disappear’. The acts have always tackled socio-economic discussions whilst adding a lot of humour worth watching. From award winning comedians to international acts, the Shoko comedy segment is worth sitting…perhaps rolling on the ground for, (in laughter of course).

7. Understand Hip Hop Better

So might be clueless about Zimbabwean hip hop artists and probably have no idea about their songs. Well you might need to start making informed decisions about your perception of Zim hip hop by watching the hip hop acts. Every year a new crop of local hip hop acts are showcased at Shoko festival. You will be surprised at how many songs that you will be adding to your playlist.

8. Don’t miss out on the headliners

The headline acts are often what draws crowds in their numbers. Because Shoko festival was initially birthed from hip hop, the main headliners are often hip hop acts. Last year, the Shoko crowd experienced Supa Mega, AKA, while in 2015, Cassper Nyovest and this year Emtee will blaze up the stage. Other headliners include Ex Q, Gemma Griffiths, Tariro NeGitare, Mpho Popps and Souljah Love.

9. Dress comfortably

If you have heard of music festivals such as Coachella or closer to home, , then you know the dress code. Shoko Festival is always held in summer, so cool clothes that allow enough ventilation are good. Wear practical shoes, preferably closed shoes because of the dust. Keep a light jacket or cardigan for the evenings but to be honest with all the dancing you wont really need it.

10. Get a little bit hood

Every year, Shoko Festival takes it to the people in the high density suburbs with Peace in the Hood. This is a free community concert bringing together thousands of people to enjoy. This year there is an incredible line up of local acts which include Dhadza D, Chengeto Brown, Sharky, Boombeto, Diamond Boyz and Ninja Kid.

 

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