Renowned hip-hop artiste Shone Panashe Quongo, popularly known as Shone, has carved a distinct path in Zimbabwean music, redefining the genre while setting new benchmarks for the industry.
From performing before a crowd of more than 500 000 people to sharing a global stage with world-renowned band Coldplay, Shone’s journey is one marked by resilience, passion and an unbreakable bond with his roots.
In an exclusive interview, the artiste reflects on his rise, creative process, challenges and aspirations.
Shone recently made history by becoming the first Zimbabwean musician to perform before more than half a million people.
Describing the experience as both humbling and overwhelming, he credited legendary musicians Oliver Mtukudzi and Thomas Mapfumo for shaping his musical foundation.
Standing before such a massive audience was a defining milestone — one that affirmed his purpose and symbolised Zimbabwe’s presence on the global stage. For Shone, the moment represented not only personal success but a historic achievement for Zimbabwean music.
His journey into music began during his secondary school years, when hip-hop emerged as a powerful form of expression. Growing up surrounded by diverse sounds, Shone was drawn to the genre because of its ability to tell authentic stories of struggle, triumph and love.
He also acknowledges the pivotal role played by his father, whose personal transformation and support helped to nurture his talent, reinforcing Shone’s belief in the importance of parental involvement in artistic development.
- When local is lekker at Shoko Fest
- Edutainment mix: The mbira in the cosmos of development
- Shoko Festival on the roll
- Shoko Fest: A platform to uplift talents
Keep Reading
Shone’s latest EP, Love & Trap, explores the intersection of emotional depth and street reality.
The project contrasts the harshness of trap culture with the sustaining power of love in its various forms, including romantic, familial, and self-love.
Blending vulnerability with hard-hitting beats, the EP delivers a raw and relatable narrative that resonates with listeners navigating complex realities.
A major highlight of Shone’s career was performing alongside Coldplay during their Music of the Spheres World Tour. He describes the experience as surreal, praising the band’s infectious energy, professionalism and exceptional connection with audiences.
The encounter offered valuable lessons in stage presence and crowd engagement, reinforcing the importance of excellence and humility.
“Performing with Coldplay was surreal. Their energy is contagious, and the way they connect with the audience is next-level. I learned so much about stage presence and crowd interaction.
The level of professionalism they bring to every performance is unmatched and it reminded me to always stay grounded while striving for excellence,” Shone said.
Deeply influenced by the Zimbabwean culture, Shone intentionally incorporates traditional sounds and themes into his music.
Instruments such as the mbira and marimba feature prominently, alongside local vernacular and storytelling elements that reflect history, unity and resilience.
This fusion allows him to honour his heritage while innovating within hip-hop.
Among his local performances, headlining Shoko Fest stands out as a memorable experience, marked by electric energy and overwhelming support.
Despite successes, Shone notes that limited infrastructure and exposure remain major challenges for Zimbabwean musicians.
“My advice would be to stay true to yourself and never stop learning. The industry can be tough, but persistence, passion and originality go a long way. Also, take the time to learn about the business side of music. It’s not just about making great music; it’s about how you market yourself, build your brand and connect with your audience,” he said.
