The Moto Moto Festival, held on July 19 at Odonien in Cologne, Germany, was a resounding success, described by organiser Plot Mhako as “a powerful success ever to be played in Germany”.
The event celebrated African creativity, particularly from Zimbabwe, drawing over 300 attendees who enjoyed a vibrant showcase of music, dance and cultural exchange.
In an interview with Standard Style, Mhako expressed his delight with the festival’s outcome.
“The energy was electric from start to finish. Over 300 people came together to celebrate, connect, and dance to the rhythm of African creativity — right in the heart of Cologne,” he said.
“The performances were world-class, the crowd was engaged, and the cultural exchange was exactly what we hoped for. It felt like home away from home for many, and a window into Zimbabwean and African artistry for others. The vibe was unforgettable.”
The Moto Moto Festival was founded with the core vision of building a cultural bridge between Africa, especially Zimbabwe, and the rest of the world.
It aims to celebrate “Afro! Culture! Future!” by providing a platform for African creatives to showcase their talent, connect with global audiences and explore new opportunities.
“It’s more than a music event — it’s a movement that champions identity, diversity, and artistic innovation,” Mhako explained.
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“We want to spark collaborations, build networks, and shift perceptions of African art from the margins to the mainstream.”
This year’s lineup was meticulously curated to represent the diversity and depth of Zimbabwean and African music.
“We carefully curated a lineup that represents the diversity and depth of Zimbabwean and African music today,” Mhako stated.
“It was a balance of established names, rising stars, and diaspora-based talents.
“We wanted to showcase not only popular acts, but also those preserving tradition and those pushing creative boundaries.”
Artists were selected through direct engagement and partnerships with institutions such as the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) and Nama, who supported the spotlighting of deserving talent.
The festival featured an impressive array of artists, including Feli Nandi (pictured), Mokoomba, Mary Anibal, Nisha Ts, Lil Jam, Pamuzinda Marimba Band, Munashe Lorraine, Solah X Keith, DJ Hanief, DJ Blaze as well as Merciless Zimbabwe.
Mhako affirmed that the event exceeded their expectations in terms of artistic quality, logistics, and overall impact.
“The festival exceeded our expectations artistically, logistically, and in terms of impact — it delivered,” he said.
“We saw genuine connections being made, cultural pride being shared and audiences being moved.
“Of course, like any growing event, there are areas to improve, but the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.
“We now have a strong foundation to build on, and we are inspired to keep raising the bar.”
The Moto Moto Festival significantly contributes to the development of artists and the broader arts industry by offering crucial visibility and access.
“Performing on an international stage opens doors,” Mhako explained.
“For many of them, it’s a chance to meet booking agents, collaborate with other creatives, and engage new audiences.
“It also shows the world the quality and richness of Zimbabwean and African talent.”
Beyond individual artists, the festival is also “helping shift narratives and encouraging investment in the arts”, Mhako stated, emphasising that
“It’s about long-term growth, not just a one-day celebration.”
Mhako revealed exciting plans for the 2026 Moto Moto Festival, promising an even grander event.
“2026 is going to be even bigger,” he declared.
“We’re expanding our scope to include more artists from across the Southern African region, while still centering Zimbabwe.
“Expect more genres, more collaborations, and a deeper blend of music, dance, fashion, and food.”
The next edition will also introduce workshops and dialogue sessions, transforming Moto Moto into “not just a performance platform, but also a space for learning and exchange”.
The next Moto Moto Festival is set for July 18, 2026.
