BY PHUMZILE NDLOVU
MALKERNS – MTN Bushfire releases a ‘rich’ first artist drop!
South African Limpopo singer, dance queen Makhadzi, Thandizwa Mazwai, 2024 Grammy nominee Musa Keys, and Nigeria’s Nneka have been announced as some of the headliners for this year’s 17th edition of MTN Bushfire 2024.
Earlier today, MTN Bushfire announced its first artist release. The festival is slated for May 31–June 2 at the scenic Malkerns Valley of Eswatini.
MTN Bushfire is renowned for its unique and eclectic music line-ups, rooted in a pulsating celebration of diversity and a spirit of inclusion. This year, the festival will be headlined by one of the continent’s most powerful voices, Nigerian global music sensation Nneka!
Nneka, a Neo-Soul singer, songwriter, and actress, will bring her fire with her electrifying blend of afrobeats, soul, and reggae music to the 17th edition of the festival.
With influences such as Fela Kuti and Sade Adu, Nneka’s soul-stirring conscious music embodies the festival’s philosophy of using the power of the arts to inspire creative expression and arts advocacy, expressed through the call to action for positive social and environmental change, Bring Your Fire.
MTN Bushfire is excited to welcome back legendary South African singer/songwriter Thandiswa Mazwai, who will once again set the MTN Bushfire stage ablaze with her uplifting sociopolitical messaging and inspiring fusion of traditional Xhosa rhythms, Mbaqanga, Funk, Jazz, and Reggae.
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.
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.
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 by 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 authentic Swati sound. Legendary artists Stewart Sukuma and 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.
Additionally, MTN Bushfire Festival fans 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!
For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit the MTN Bushfire website, www.bush-fire.com, and follow @mtnbushfire on the all-in-one chat and entertainment app Ayoba, as well as on Facebook, X (Twitter), and Instagram.
Eswatini residents may also purchase tickets using MTN Mobile Money. Simply send “Hi” to 7808 4000 (“MoMo Marketplace”) on Whatsapp and follow the prompts.
