Zimbabwean musician Nisha Ts will bring the curtain down on the 16th edition of the Shoko Festival when she headlines the Peace In The Hood concert in Chitungwiza’s Unit L on Saturday.

The musician, who is riding high on the release of her second career album, Tsigamugobo, is set to lead the festival’s closing celebrations, which will bring together music and urban culture enthusiasts for the final instalment of this year’s edition, running under the theme “Unmuted”.

Nisha Ts said she was looking forward to performing at the festival, describing Shoko as an important platform for Zimbabwean culture and young creative voices.

“Shoko Festival is a very special platform for me because it celebrates Zimbabwean culture, creativity and the voices of young people. Being part of a festival that continues to bring people together through music and art is an honour,” she said.

“I’m looking forward to connecting with the audience, sharing my music and being part of another memorable Shoko experience.”

Nisha Ts will be supported at the Peace In The Hood concert by Hwinza, Yadis, Tanto Wavie and Young Gemini, adding to a programme designed to showcase Zimbabwe’s emerging and established urban talent.

The Chitungwiza concert will mark the culmination of four days of activities that began in Harare on September 23 with a Sofar Sounds pop-up at Harare Gardens. The opening event featured performances by Cingi, Vicky Soulful, Bhanshee and Kuda Rice.

The festival continues on Thursday with the Shoko Festival Comedy Night at Harare Gardens, headlined by Nigel Maritinyu, popularly known as Nigel tha Slick Pastor, and South African comedian Vafa Naraghi.

They will be joined by Neville Nyoni, also known as Neville Bird, and Glad Syre Chipenzi, with Sharon Chideu, popularly known as Magi, serving as the host. Naraghi will be making his Shoko Festival Comedy Night debut.

On Friday, attention will turn to the Mash Up Night at Harare Gardens, featuring Saintfloew, Voltz JT, United Kingdom-based OneDa, Mugaratia and Xiba.

The musical line-up will be complemented by artists from the Mashoko Tapes programme, including Bhila, Supermuno, Millz Million, Easy Ice, Luigi Badgenna and Hooksmith. The artists are part of Mashoko Tapes Volume 3, the latest product of the festival’s music residency programme.

Now in its third year, Mashoko Tapes brings together performers from the Mash Up Night programme to collaborate on an original album, with the initiative aimed at fostering artistic growth among Zimbabwean hip-hop and urban artists.

Shoko Festival coordinator Natasha Sipanera said this year’s programme reflected the festival’s commitment to giving established artists and emerging talent a platform.

“This year's edition line-up is a testament to Shoko Festival’s commitment to celebrating local stars and providing a platform to unheralded talent, in tandem with this year’s theme, Unmuted,” Sipanera said.

“Expect fireworks during the three-day event, with Comedy Night, Mash Up Night and Peace In The Hood in Chitungwiza on Saturday.”

Beyond the music and comedy programme, Shoko Festival is also hosting The Hub Unconference from September 24 to 25. The gathering will focus on digital media, civic technology and the creative economy through panel discussions, masterclasses, debates, live podcasts, creative pop-ups and interactive showcases.

Speakers include Tanzanians Angela Kilisungu and Nkumi Mtingwa, Uganda’s Antonio Kisembo and Samuel Eibu, Malawi’s Willson Chivhanga, Zimbabwean Member of Parliament Darlington Chugumbu, as well as Linda Mujuru and Joice Svotwa from Zimbabwe.

The festival programme also includes the Green Cities Expo, which will focus on clean energy and climate change solutions in Africa, bringing together speakers from Zimbabwe and other African countries.