By Lovemore Meya
The just-ended second edition of the “Moto Moto Festival, 2025,” which took place last Saturday in Cologne, Germany, has proved to be more than a festival but a cultural bridge, the event organiser has reckoned.
Rooted in the powerful theme “Afro. Culture. Future,” where a total of 34 Zimbabwean artists performed, the festival lived up to its promise of showcasing the vibrancy, diversity, and global potential of Zimbabwean and African creativity.
Artists performed across the day, spanning traditional acts, hip hop, dancehall, Afrofusion, and everything in between.
Speaking with this publication whilst in Germany, the decorated festival director, Plot Mhako, acknowledged that Zimbabwe was rich with undiluted talent cutting across all genres.
“This year affirmed what we have always believed—Zimbabwean creativity is world-class,” said Mhako.
“The atmosphere, the performances, and the connections that happened here… it was electric. Moto Moto is more than a festival; it’s a cultural bridge.”
He said the future looks brighter judging from how the festival started last year, highlighting that plans are afoot to incorporate acts from other Southern African regions.
“With two editions now under its belt, the festival is already looking ahead. Plans for Moto Moto 2026 include expanding to feature artists from across the Southern African region, making it an even broader platform for collaboration, exchange, and celebration.
“One thing is certain: Moto Moto Festival is just getting started. The next edition is set for the 18th of July, 2026. The second edition of the Moto Moto Festival set Cologne ablaze with rhythm, colour, and pure African energy this past Saturday, as more than 300 people gathered at the Odonien for a day that was nothing short of magical,” he added.
Mhako described the event as a unifier between those who travelled from Zimbabwe and members of the diaspora based in Germany and the UK, saying, “The line-up was a sonic tapestry reflecting both homegrown pride and global reach.”
Some of the day’s most memorable moments came from the heavy-hitters like Feli Nandi, who serenaded the crowd with her signature soulful Afro-fusion sound. Prominent Afro-Dancehall singer Nisha T, making her European debut with support from the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) and the National Arts Merit Awards (NAMA), brought explosive energy and undeniable charisma.
As always, Mokoomba delivered a powerful set filled with groove, precision, and global flair, while Pamuzinda showcased Zimbabwe’s traditional dance and drum culture in an electrifying performance.
Awa Khiwe owned the stage with her bold Ndebele hip-hop, connecting deeply with both African and European audiences.
Other standout performers included Cologne-based rising star Munashe Lorraine, UK-based artists Jah Hanief and Lil Jam, mbira virtuoso Mary Anibal, and veteran party-starter DJ Blaze from Harare.