Saintfloew, Voltz JT headline Shoko Festival Mash Up Night

ZIMBABWE’S longest-running urban culture festival has named Saintfloew and Voltz JT as co-headliners for this year’s Mash Up Night.

The two rappers are set to anchor a five-act Zim-hip-hop showcase at Harare Gardens on Friday, 25 September, the third night of the 16th edition of the Shoko Festival.

The Mash Up Night, which takes place as part of Shoko Festival’s four-day programme running from 23 to 26 September, also features rapper Mugaratia, rising female artist Xiba, and Bulawayo-based Afro-soul and Mbaqanga artist Bhila. All five acts will be backed by a full live band, a departure from the DJ-driven format typical of urban music showcases.

Saintfloew, born Tawanda Mambo in Chitungwiza in 1997, makes his Mash Up Night debut as a headliner on the back of a strong 2026, having released two singles: Uchazondida, produced by DJ Fydale and released in April 2026 through Virgin Music Group South Africa (a subsidiary of Universal Music Group), and Gucci N Dior featuring JAYem, released in June 2026.

He signed his distribution deal with Virgin Music Group South Africa in September 2024. He broke through nationally with the 2022 single Silas Mavende and released his debut album, Rise and Lead, in October 2023 at Alex Sports Club in Harare.

“I can’t wait to tear up the Shoko stage. I’ve been waiting for this moment. This is going to be a really unique performance, so don’t miss it,” Saintfloew said.

Voltz JT, born Nkosilathi Sibiya in Chitungwiza in 1999, returns to the Shoko stage as a headliner, having cemented his status as one of the most consequential figures in local hip-hop. A graduate of the University of Zimbabwe with a Bachelor of Science Honours degree in Electronic and Telecommunications Engineering, he pioneered the jecha trap sound a fusion of British drill music with Shona-language lyricism and in 2025 became the first hip-hop artist to win the Outstanding Album award at the National Arts Merit Awards. He has also won multiple Zim Hip Hop Awards.

“I’m so excited to be performing at the Shoko Festival Mash Up Night. Last time I was there it was amazing. I hope you bring the same energy. Let’s celebrate culture and music together on September 25,” Voltz JT said.

Mugaratia returns to the festival having previously performed at the 2024 edition’s Peace in the Hood showcase in Chitungwiza. Xiba makes her Shoko Festival debut, having built her profile through a string of recent releases, including a collaboration with Saintfloew and Jnr Spragga on the track Jumanji. Bhila brings a regional flavour to the predominantly Harare-centric lineup with his signature blend of Afro-soul and Mbaqanga.

The Mash Up Night also marks the return of Mashoko Tapes, now in its third volume. The collaborative music residency programme brings the Mash Up Night performers together before the show to produce an original album. Mashoko Tapes Volume 3 features Supermuno, Millz Million, Easy Ice, Luigi Badgenna, and Hooksmith alongside Bhila, and will be released ahead of the event.

Closing the night on the decks will be DJ MadeHerBelieve.

Mash Up Night curator Dennis Shoko said the lineup was built around a deliberate celebration of the genre in all its current forms.

“When putting together the Mash Up Night lineup, the idea was really to celebrate Zim-hip-hop in all its different forms. These are artists who have shaped the culture, artists who are carrying it forward, and audiences who have grown up alongside the music. This is a safe and mature environment to watch Zim-hip-hop acts. Come through,” he said.

This year’s Shoko Festival runs under the theme “Unmuted,” a celebration of artistic creativity and free expression. The festival, founded in 2011 by Magamba Network, spans music, comedy, poetry, spoken word, visual art, and civic programming. The Comedy Night on 24 September will be headlined by Nigel Tha Slick Pastor.

Tickets for the Mash Up Night are priced at US$10 for early birds and US$15 at the gate. They are available online at http://www.shokofestival.co.zw, at Elixir Liquor Stores nationwide, or at Moto Republik at 3 Allan Wilson Avenue, Harare.

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