By Siphesihle Dlamini
The House on Fire in Malkerns was ablaze with creativity and talent as 600 learners from 39 high schools and out-of-school art youth clubs in Eswatini united for the annual European Union (EU) Bushfire Schools Festival on May 30, 2024.
The festival kicked off with a vibrant march to the main stage led by the Salesian Band and the Ekukhanyeni High Drum Majorettes.
The air was filled with excitement and anticipation as the participants gathered to celebrate the power of art and expression.
As the sun beamed down on the eager crowd, voices harmonized in unison for the European Union hymn and the Eswatini national anthem, led by the talented Africa Ntjilo.
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The atmosphere was electrifying as the young artists showcased their skills through an orchestra set that included moving renditions of songs like ‘You Raise Me.’
One of the highlights of the day was a collaborative poetry performance by Sigcaweni High and Africa Ntjilo, who mesmerized the audience with a piece titled ‘Gway’mane.’
The poem spoke eloquently about the essence of being a future generation, embracing transformation, and fostering innovation.
Stepping onto the stage with grace and precision, St Anne’s dance group captivated onlookers with their mesmerizing choreography and captivating performance.
The energy soared to new heights as the Mateo band took the stage, accompanied by the charismatic rapper, Sisekelo Shawn.
The crowd was on their feet as Sisekelo Shawn delivered an electrifying performance, starting with his hit song ‘Who Am I’ and continuing with the crowd favourite, ‘Peter.’
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The festival’s theme encapsulates the belief in art as a force for positive social change and transformation. It embraces the idea of creativity as a powerful tool for driving entrepreneurship in the arts and fostering sustainable futures for the youth.
Through this theme, the Schools Festival aims to nurture artistic talent, promote cultural dialogue, and inspire young individuals to utilize their creativity for the betterment of themselves and their communities.
Initiated by the MTN Bushfire festival, the EU Bushfire Schools Festival seeks to empower young people in Eswatini through a dynamic program of arts education, creative performances, and interactive workshops.
By providing sustainable access to the arts and creating a platform for creative expression, the festival plays a vital role in shaping the future of the country’s creative sector.
Inspired by the ethos of MTN Bushfire’s “Bring Your Fire” movement, which calls for positive social and environmental change, the EU Bushfire Schools Festival is part of a series of arts development initiatives aimed at nurturing local talent and fostering entrepreneurial opportunities in Eswatini’s creative industry.
Since its establishment in 2010, the festival has been instrumental in supporting the integration of arts education into the national curriculum of public schools.
With a focus on inclusivity, the festival has engaged over 9,720 learners, 616 teachers, and 63 facilitators from all regions of the country, creating a vibrant community of young artists and educators.
Each year, in collaboration with the European Union and other partners, the festival explores a specific theme designed to impart positive social messages to its participants.
Through workshops, performances, and outreach programs, the festival provides young people with a unique opportunity to explore the magic of art and discover potential career paths in the creative arts industry.
