ITS ONLY days left to the much anticipated 2023 MTN Bushfire.
Last year the organisers opened the gates after a two-year break as a result of the pandemic. This time around it goes out full-steam, with more ‘devilish’ fire- yes pun intended!
Malkerns, eSwatini is the host venue from May 26 to 29.
A stellar line-up of artists from across the continent and beyond, will converge under one roof over three-fun days, to experience diversity and creativity of Africa’s best.
Ami Faku, Sho Madjozi, House duo Black Motion, Afrikaans pop culture icon Jack Parow and wordsmiths when it comes to rap, Stogie T, will hold aloft the SA flag, so will be Maleh from Lesotho.
“I have not performed in Eswatini in months, and I am looking forward to performing some of my recently released music. The crowd in Eswatini is amazing and I cannot wait to showcase my music,” says Faku.
“Preparing with my band is a very important part to approaching a performance. I have an amazing band and we work together to showcase a true representation of my music. People can expect an exciting performance with my amazing band,” says the 29-year-old.
Other artists includes Vox Sambou from Canada, Angolan Portuguese singer Fayazer, the electroacoustic project from Argentina, Rumbo Tumba, and an extraordinary double bass player from Spain, Javier Diez Ena.
Also expect 2023 CollaboNation artists such as Thobile Makhoyane (Eswatini) X The Hood Brodz (Mozambique), and Mokoomba (Zimbabwe) and Morena Leraba (Lesotho).
This first edition of the CollaboNation project invited artists from Eswatini, Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique and Zimbabwe, giving them the opportunity to collaborate with each other by recording original and inspirational songs.
Future CollaboNation editions will be expanded to include more countries in Africa and beyond, with the eventual aim of arranging collaborations between African artists and those from other continents, creating a truly global interchange of cultures and musical styles.
The MTN Bushfire is more than just a music festival. It’s also a platform for learning, networking, and collaborating with other musicians and industry experts, with the hosting of the Bushfire Arts Round Table workshop on May 26, in partnership with the Africa Rising Music Conference (ARMC).
Comedy this year will have guests laughing out loud with internationally renowned stand-up comedian Daliso Chaponda, whoshot to fame on Britain’s Got Talent, making it to the final of the 2017 series and establishing himself as a firm favourite with the judges and the public.
Guests should also prepare to be wowed by thrilling acrobatic performances in the Main Arena from The CIRK, Johannesburg’s premier circus performance company.
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 is looking forward to reigniting the fire in the beautiful farmlands of the valley of Malkerns, Eswatini, for a family friendly, eclectic celebration of some of the finest music in Africa and beyond.
Tickets can be purchased from the MTN Bushfire website, where glamping, camping and travel options can also be found.
To learn more on line-up and programme visit the MTN Bushfire website: www.bush-fire.com
Yes, I’m bringing my own fire to eSwatini, as all roads lead to Malkerns!
