Take Fizzo to Headline Mash Up Nights at Shoko Festival 2025

Legendary music producer Take Fizzo, formerly known as Take 5, will headline this year’s Mash Up Nights event at the Shoko Festival. Running under the theme “The Legacy XV,” the festival is celebrating 15 years of promoting urban art, music, and youth culture in Zimbabwe. The event will take place at Harare Gardens on September 26.

Shoko Festival Coordinator Vera Chisvo highlighted the significance of Take Fizzo’s role in shaping Zimbabwe’s modern music industry. “Take Fizzo represents an era that laid the foundations for Zimbabwe’s modern music industry. His performance is the perfect way to mark 15 years of Shoko’s dedication to promoting urban culture and hip-hop. This is a true celebration of the journey we have all taken together,” she said.

Take Fizzo is renowned for his groundbreaking productions and his role in redefining Zimbabwe’s urban soundscape. Festival-goers can expect an electrifying showcase of his greatest hits and iconic tracks that reflect the transformation of Zimbabwe’s music industry into a contemporary powerhouse.

Joining Fizzo on stage are urban grooves pioneers Mafriq and Trinity. Both groups helped lay the foundations of the genre in Zimbabwe, delivering classic hits that shaped the country’s urban music identity. Their performances will add to the night’s celebration of Zimbabwe’s cultural and musical legacy.

The Mashoko Tapes residency will also return for its second edition. This innovative programme brings artists together to co-create an original album during the festival, promoting collaboration across genres. Last year’s inaugural edition featured talents such as Ray Kaz, Bhekiwe, Shebeen Boys, Lala Martins, and Afro-fusion rising star Rutendo Jackie.

This year’s lineup includes Segulm, known for the Afro-fusion track First of Season, Briza, Bulawayo’s rising hip-hop star, Paintafresco, a 2024 Zim Hip-Hop Awards nominee, Yadis, Harare’s breakthrough female rapper with her Ndakusasa Mixtape, and Enhle, a neo-soul artist carving her unique sound.

Organisers say the residency will deliver another wave of innovative tracks that embody the spirit of Zimbabwe’s evolving urban music landscape.

With Take Fizzo headlining, supported by iconic pioneers and a fresh wave of emerging talent, the 2025 Mash Up Nights promises to be a historic celebration of 15 years of Shoko Festival’s creative legacy.