Johannesburg – With winter slowly making its 2024 debut, the heat will be in Eswatini for the 17th edition of the MTN Bushfire Festival.
The festival is set to take place from 31 May to 2 June 2024 at House On Fire in the scenic Malkerns Valley, with award-winning South African artists making it onto the line-up.
South African singer/songwriter, Thandiswa Mazwai, who’s loved for her uplifting sociopolitical messaging, and inspiring fusion of traditional Xhosa rhythms, Mbaqanga, Funk, Jazz, and Reggae, is not a stranger to the main stage of the festival.
She is set to perform alongside Nigerian global music sensation, Nneka, who’ll headline this year’s edition and will be bringing her fire with her electrifying blend of Afrobeats, Soul, and Reggae.
The much-loved festival has been known for pulling crowds from all over the world for a weekend filled with unique and eclectic music, good food, and the celebration of diversity and the spirit of inclusion.
South Africa is further represented by the 2024 Grammy nominee Musa Keys, the “enigmatic spirit of African Soul”, Bongiziwe Mabandla, and Limpopo superstar Makhadzi; as well as the talented Filah lah lah and the much-loved Jeremy Loops, also returning to the MTN Bushfire main stage with his unique blend of modern Folk music.
Another perfect complement to the MTN Bushfire aesthetic will be American-Sudanese rapper and producer, Oddissee.
Celebrated as a deep-thinking lyricist, Oddissee’s music blends elements of Jazz, Funk, and Go-Go into his Hip Hop-rooted production.
A major highlight will be the appearance of the incomparable “King of the Zulu Guitar”, Dr. Madala Kunene, alongside Guy Buttery, who, despite their 36-year age difference have collaborated for almost two decades since they first met at a rehearsal for a TV show.
The Southern African region is well represented with Lesotho singer and songwriter, Maleh, who returns to the festival after her emotionally charged, ethereal performance last year.
Eswatini’s Bholoja will once again steal hearts with his distinct voice and authentically Swazi sound.
Legendary Stewart Sukuma & Banda Nkhuvu from Mozambique are another exciting act to look forward to.
They combine traditional and contemporary Mozambican music with revolutionary instrumentation creating an energetic, danceable, and infectious sound.
International artists who will grace the MTN Bushfire stage include Fetén Fetén from Spain, and Réunion Island’s DJ Sebb, who will get you on your feet with the rhythms of his deck.
Through the years MTN Bushfire Festival has kept to the expectations of festival goers by providing a safe environment for friend groups, families, and music lovers to enjoy a weekend of fun while experiencing bush life.
First-timers can expect the much-loved range of cultural performances, family-friendly activities, dance, spoken word, and the ever-popular artisanal Barn Marketplace, Global Food Village, and KidZone, as well as an invigorated Bring Your Fire Zone for interactive social and environmental advocacy.
Named “Top African festival” by the BBC and hailed by CNN as one of the “7 African music festivals you really have to see”, MTN Bushfire looks forward to uniting Fire Starters from across the world in an atmosphere of tolerance.
Look out for the next Artist Announcement on MTN Bushfire’s social media.