MTN Bushfire is renowned for its unique and eclectic music line-ups rooted in a pulsating celebration of diversity and spirit of inclusion. This year, the festival will be headlined by one of the continent’s most powerful voices, Nigerian global music sensation, Nneka!
The 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, taking place from 31 May to 2 June at House On Fire in the scenic Malkerns Valley of Eswatini.
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 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.
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 Facebook, X (Twitter) and Instagram.
See line-up poster below:
Main Image: Pan African Music
