Shoko Festival Mash Up Nights to Feature South African Rapper Reason and UK Artist OneDa

Shoko Festival has announced that South African rapper Reason, also known as Sizwe Alakine, and UK hip hop artist OneDa will headline this year’s Mash Up Nights. The event is set to take place at Harare Gardens next Friday.

Reason, a South African Music Awards (SAMA) winner, is currently nominated for Best S.A Hip Hop Album of the Year for Audio 2D: Dear D**e. Known for his socially conscious lyrics and dynamic artistry, he has successfully transitioned from traditional hip hop to becoming a pioneering force in the amapiano movement. Fans can expect a Hip Hop vs Amapiano Sound Clash experience, highlighting his musical evolution and dual-genre mastery.

Joining him is OneDa, an award-winning rapper, producer, and poet from Manchester, UK. With recognition from BBC 6 Music, 1Xtra, and BBC Radio 1, she was recently selected as BBC Introducing’s One to Watch by the AIM Independent Music Awards. Her performances blend sharp lyricism, melodic vocals, and a fusion of old-school and new-school vibes. During her time in Zimbabwe, OneDa is set to collaborate with rising urban artists Yadis and Enhle.

Shoko Festival Director Samm Farai Monro, also known as Comrade Fatso, highlighted the significance of this year’s line-up. “Reason embodies what this year’s festival is about: building an urban culture legacy. He’s a veteran of South African hip hop and remains hugely influential with his shift to amapiano. We also look forward to OneDa’s collaboration with Yadis and Enhle, showing Shoko’s commitment to international growth for Zimbabwean urban artists.”

The Mash Up Night will feature a stellar local line-up alongside the international acts. Zimbabwean hip hop star Sane Wav and legendary producer Take Fizzo will headline, delivering electrifying performances of urban grooves classics. Live performances will include Mafriq, Trinity, MC Chita, Mau Mau, Tererai, and Nembo Bwoy, offering a journey through Zimbabwe’s urban music evolution.

The festival will also showcase a special collaboration between Kenyan spoken word artist Mufasa and a jazz band, choir, and orchestra from the Arundel School Music Department. This performance will merge spoken word with harmonic storytelling, creating a unique live experience.

In addition, Zimbabwean artists Segulm, Briza, Paintafresco, Yadis, and Enhle will debut new tracks created under the Mashoko Tapes residency. The residency, led by Shoko Festival, encourages collaboration across genres, fostering experimentation and innovation in Zimbabwe’s urban music scene.

This year’s Mash Up Night promises a diverse musical experience, combining hip hop, amapiano, UK rap, and Zimbabwean urban sounds in a celebration of creativity and cross-cultural collaboration.