By Kundai Marunya
Armed with a new album which was officially released during the Harare International Festival of the Arts (HIFA), high-riding hip hop outfit The Monkey Nuts will grace the Mashoko Spoken Word and Hip Hop mini-festival this Saturday at Book Cafe.
The group which often has the advantage of playing live instruments over fellow rappers will headline the event along with hip hop star Tehn Diamond, another sterile performer whose innovative stage work always live the audience in awe. Magamba Network (organisers of Mashoko) media liason officer Tafadzwa Sharaunga said, “Headlined by Tehn Diamond together with an amazing line-up featuring The Monkey Nuts, Orator, Eburn Mwana Muduku and Anthea Taderera gracing the stage, Mashoko will have a surprise dance-hall act to add to the thrill.”
Mashoko began in 2007. “It was this event that gave rise to the inaugural Shoko Festival in 2011 which included headline acts from United Kingdom, South Africa, United States of America and Botswana. The 2014 edition saw an expansion in participating countries to include Brazil, Netherlands, Ghana and Kenya,” said Sharaunga
Meanwhile, Shoko Festival 2015 is inviting applications of artists willing to perform. Sharaunga said, “We are inviting all talented poets, singers, emcees, b-boys, deejays, film makers, producers, musicians or fashion designers, to apply for them to be considered for this year’s edition. The Application form is available for download at www.shokofestival.com”
Deadline for applications is 1 June 2015. “Successful applicants will be contacted with the necessary details,” he added. “Young dynamic, fun artists should apply now to be part of Zimbabwe’s most dynamic international urban arts festival.” This year’s Shoko Festival will be held in September.