Paintafresco is a boundary-pushing 26-year-old Zimbabwean rapper, singer/songwriter, actor, and executive producer with over 20 years of performance experience under his belt. From taking the stage at age five to recording in studios since sixteen, his creative journey is built on a foundation of depth, longevity, and undeniable stage presence.
In 2025, Paintafresco was selected as an alumnus of Music Connects, a regional music development program spearheaded by the British Council and Swiss Embassy, created to empower standout emerging talent across Southern Africa.
In 2024, his growing momentum earned him a nomination for Best Newcomer at the Zim Hip-Hop Awards, where he also performed and appeared in the Harare edition of the annual cypher. His live profile exploded the year before when he opened for Nasty C and Cassper Nyovest on their African Throne Tour.
On stage and screen, Paintafresco is equally powerful. He starred in the acclaimed original Zimbabwean play Family Riots with Danai Gurira’s Almasi Collaborative Arts, and regularly features in productions at Reps Theatre. He’s also a familiar face in the hit Zimbabwean TV series Mugariro.
🎤 Shoko Festival 2025 – Full Circle in Full Set
As Zimbabwe’s most iconic celebration of urban culture, Shoko Festival has always been a dream stage. In 2024, Paintafresco got his first taste of it in two major surprise moments:
At Mashup Night, where he performed his track “Wabvepi” from Mashoko Tapes Vol. 1
At Peace in the Hood, where he joined Tamy Moyo onstage to perform “Rasta” after winning her nationwide Open Verse Challenge
Though those performances were embedded in other artists’ sets, they made a statement—and left audiences wanting more.
Now, in 2025, Paintafresco returns to Shoko Festival with his own full set. This isn’t just a slot—it’s a symbol of artistic growth, perseverance, and recognition. From surprise guest to mainstage headliner, the journey has come full circle.
🔥 Career Highlights
Live Shows: Performed alongside Nasty C, Cassper Nyovest, Boity, Nadia Nakai, Takura, HolyTen, Tamy Moyo, and more
Discography:
Brush Strokes EP (2020) – 8 tracks
R.I.P. Meant to Be (2022) – 3 visual tracks
Notable singles: Dance 2 This, Dare, Escaping Reality, Ma1 (ft. Malcolm Mufunde)
Acting & Theatre: Family Riots (Almasi), Mugariro (TV), multiple Reps Theatre productions
Recognition:
Zim Hip-Hop Awards 2024 Nominee – Best Newcomer
Winner – Tamy Moyo’s Open Verse Challenge (2024)
Music Connects Alumnus – Class of 2025
Digital Presence: Over 17,500 followers across platforms – @paintafresco
Paintafresco represents a new wave of Zimbabwean artistry—rooted in passion, sharpened by experience, and ready for stages like Shoko Festival. His 2025 performance isn’t just a set—it’s a statement.
