IN TRUE MTN Bushfire signature style, the festival will offer yet another diverse and dynamic programme for its 17th edition taking place from 31 May to 2 June, 2024 at House On Fire in Eswatini.
This year’s MTN Bushfire festival programme features a variety of acts from a broad range of disciplines who will delight and entertain the old and the young alike!
MTN Bushfire is loved for curating eclectic and inspiring musical performances from globally renowned acts, while introducing fans to exciting musical gems who make for an exciting addition to any music playlist. Fans of the festival – also affectionately known as Fire Starters – will once again be treated to an alluring line-up of comedy, theatre, interactive drumming and ceramics workshops, as well as a vibrant mix of circus acts and roving performances.
MTN Bushfire truly has something for everyone!
The music line-up features a pulsating global range of celebrated artists such as the legendary Thandiswa Mazwai, and the much-loved Lloyiso,both from South Africa.
Another perfect complement to the MTN Bushfire aesthetic will be American rapper and producer, Oddissee. The UK’s Camilla George and Blue Lab Beats will jazz things up with a dynamic performance courtesy of a partnership between pioneering grassroots jazz organisation, Jazz re:freshed and South African creative agency, The Dig.
South Africa is further represented by the 2024 Grammy nominee Musa Keys, Bongiziwe Mabandla and Makhadzi; as well as Jeremy Loops.
Two of South Africa’s comedy legends, Namaste Bae and Kagiso ‘KG’ Mokgadi, team up for the 2024 Comedy Showcase. Everyone’s favourite Namaste Bae is Rob van Vuuren. The acclaimed actor, comedian, director, writer and voice-over artist who has graced various stages all over the world.
Kagiso ‘KG’ Mokgadi, is the quintessential comedy heavyweight. Influenced by old-school comedy greats – and touted by his colleagues as an up-and-coming great – this multiple-award-winning stand-up comedian will have you laughing from deep within your belly.
“My Fellow South Africans” is a multi-sketch one-person revue by playwright Mike van Graan in the tradition of his award-winning works, Bafana Republic and Pay Back the Curry. Described as political satire at its best, My Fellow South Africans has already earned the performer, Kim Blanche Adonis, two Best Solo Performance awards and further nominations for similar awards.
Festivalgoers eager to create their own sounds will enjoy the interactive performance from Klitsgras Drumming. These drumming sessions are led by talented and passionate musicians who are skilled in a variety of African and Latin drumming styles.
Another interactive workshop to look out for is the Ceramics Workshop with Andile Dyalvane, one of South Africa’s foremost ceramic artists. A recipient of the 2015 Design Foundation Icon Award, his work has been collected by art museums all over the world.
Keep an eye out for the roving performances by larger-than-life performance art collective BDI, with their daring fire displays, beloved giant puppets and stilt walkers. You’ll be astounded and bemused, and always expect the unexpected.
MTN Bushfire has created a circus stage area at the centre of the festival Main Arena for the breath-taking aerial acrobatics and gymnastics displays from The Cirk. Loved by the young and old alike, The Cirk will bring the unforgettable, unique magic of the circus to MTN Bushfire. Keep an eye out for their thrilling performances!
With this year’s MTN Bushfire KidZone theme, African Safari, young Fire Starters can look forward to creatively stimulating activities such as the Watering Hole that has a spread of delectable healthy food and sweet treats. This year will also feature a Wilderness Stage where children can show off their talent, the Art Hut where they can get their creative juices flowing and the Swazi Playground which has a high-energy jungle gym with a mix of modern and nostalgic African games.
Additionally, MTN Bushfire Festival fans can expect the colourful range of dazzling 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.
As one of Africa’s leading international festivals of music and the arts, MTN Bushfire is a conscious celebration of unity in diversity and an inspiring emblem of social inclusion.
The full festival line-up, ticketing and travel and accommodation information are all available at www.bush-fire.com
Image (Makhadzi will be performing live at the MTN Bushfire 2024, eSwatini).
