Creativity, Unity, Sustainability for Bushfire Festival
By Siphesihle Dlamini
The MTN Bushfire Festival gears up for its 18th edition, scheduled to take place from May 30 to June 1, 2025. This year’s festival promises to be a remarkable celebration of creativity, unity, and sustainability, with an expected attendance of over 23,000 passionate individuals dedicated to making a positive impact on both people and the planet.
With the theme “Creativity. Unity. Sustainability,” MTN Bushfire 2025 aims to foster a sense of community and environmental consciousness through a diverse array of artistic expressions and initiatives.
The MTN Bushfire Festival, held at the iconic House On Fire venue nestled in the Malkerns Valley, has earned accolades from international media, being named the “Top African Festival” by the BBC and recognized by CNN as one of the “7 African music festivals you have to see.
” This family-friendly event has become synonymous with an atmosphere of tolerance and inclusivity, drawing attendees from all walks of life to celebrate the rich tapestry of African music and culture.
At the heart of MTN Bushfire is the “Bring Your Fire” movement, which invites festivalgoers to become changemakers and creative activists.
This initiative embodies the festival’s commitment to unity in diversity, conscious arts advocacy, and inclusive sustainability.
The festival serves as a platform for local talent, providing opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMSEs) while promoting an environmentally sustainable lifestyle.
Through various programs and partnerships, the Bushfire Festival actively engages in solutions-based conversations to address pressing issues facing communities and the environment.
The official launch of MTN Bushfire 2025 took place on April 4, 2025, in front of a distinguished audience that included His Excellency the Prime Minister Russell Dlamini, the Honourable Minister of Commerce,
Industry and Trade, and representatives from various ministries, alongside esteemed international guests such as The European Union Ambassador to Eswatini, Karsten Mecklenburg, and the United Nations Resident Coordinator, George Wachira.
One of the festival’s standout features is its eclectic lineup of artists, which has always embraced the unconventional and celebrated the diverse musical heritage of Africa and beyond.
The first lineup of artists for MTN Bushfire 2025 has been announced, showcasing a blend of talent that aligns with the festival’s mission of promoting creative expression while advocating for social responsibility and inclusivity.
Festivalgoers can view the initial lineup on the MTN Bushfire website, with more artists to be revealed in the coming months.
In addition to the musical performances, the annual MTN Bushfire Arts Round Table continues to be a cornerstone of the festival’s commitment to arts development and sustainability.
Since its inception in 2012, this initiative has brought together over 1,100 creative industry professionals from Eswatini and the broader region, fostering peer-sharing and best practices.
This year, the festival is collaborating once again with the Africa Rising Music Conference, an international executive-focused arts organization, to create bridges between Africa and Europe, enhancing opportunities for artists and industry professionals in Eswatini.
The Top 10 contestants of the MTN Bushfire Firefly youth music competition was unveiled during the launch.
The Grand Finale, set for April 24 at House On Fire, will feature these talented young musicians vying for a chance to perform at the festival.
Eswatini/South African Amapiano star Zee Nxumalo will grace the stage as a guest artist.