With just three weeks to go until the 17th edition of MTN Bushfire festival taking place from 31 May to 2 June at House On Fire in Eswatini, the festival is thrilled to announce this year’s headlining act – the internationally revered, legendary pioneers of the Malian Blues genre, Amadou & Mariam.
With a career spanning almost 50 years, Amadou & Mariam have asserted themselves as the ultimate ambassadors of Afropop. They have enjoyed international success, collaborated with some of the world’s greatest names (Damon Albarn of Blur, Santigold, Scissor Sisters, Theophilus London, Amp Fiddler) and toured the world’s largest festivals.
Over the course of their decades-long career, they have taken the Malian Blues that made them a household name and opened it up to Rock, Hip Hop and Disco influences, spreading their Afropop message and joie de vivre. The duo is a perfect and welcome addition to the MTN Bushfire line-up as they replace the previously announced headliner, Nneka, who had to cancel due to unforeseen circumstances.
Other highlights at the festival will include the legendary South African singer/songwriter, Thandiswa Mazwai, with her uplifting sociopolitical messaging and inspiring fusion of traditional Xhosa rhythms, Mbaqanga, Funk, Jazz and Reggae. The incomparable ‘King of the Zulu Guitar’, Dr Madala Kunene,appearing alongside Guy Buttery, who, despite their 36-year age difference have collaborated for almost two decades since they first met at a TV show rehearsal.
Check out the announced line-up so far below:
The full line-up will be available on the MTN Bushfire website this week, with all artists across the festival’s official stages: MTN Bushfire Main Stage, House On Fire Amphitheatre Stage, Ballantine’s Firefly Stage, UN Bring Your Fire Zone Stage and KidZone Stage, as well as partner stages, the Heineken Stage, Jagermeister Stage and Corona Stage.
