As the annual MTN Bushfire Festival will take place in Swaziland this weekend, Tonight caught up with some of the acts on the line-up to find out what this year’s instalment is going to be like. Here’s what they had to say:
Les Nubians (France/US)
How do you feel about playing in Swaziland?
Excited because it will be our first live performance in the southern part of the Motherland.
What material will you showcase?
We’ll be singing songs from all of our albums, and there might be some surprise guests.
What inspired the sound on Nu Revolution and how are your African fans likely to respond to it?
Nu Revolution was about sharing inspiration for action, to a faster pace, so there are more up-tempo tracks in the album. This album is also dedicated to the women reve-olution, to empower our mothers and sisters, and also, this album is about awakening our dearest dreams for they can blossom into reality. Reve-olution, “reve” in French means “dream”, the evolution of our dreams.
Do you know any of the acts performing at Bushfire?
We crossed paths and recorded songs with Freshlyground. Nomsa M is a dear friend and Helene, aka DJ Golden Athena, plays her song Nguwe in her sets. Sweet Honey & The Rocks are amazing and one of the best a capella bands ever. Give Love is one of their amazing songs Golden Athena plays in every set.
When is your South African tour?
What about the end of this year ? So we can flee the snow and frigid winter of NYC. Sponsors and promoters, a call to make this dream come true.
Banda Kakana (MOZ)
How would you describe your sound? A mix of marranbenta, Afro-soul and jazz with strong influence from artists like Lira, Freshlyground, Zahara and Mingas.
Why is important for you to play Bushfire? Bushfire is the biggest event in southern Africa, therefore we feel privileged to represent Mozambique following on from big artists like Stewart Sukuma who brought the fire last year. An important part is that we are able, through Bushfire, to showcase our music to a broader market, have a big party for our Mozambican fans and new fans, and also mingle with all the international artists.
Which acts are you keen to see perform? We are looking forward to again sharing the stage with Freshlyground whom we admire a lot and invited to be a part of our 10-year celebration. We definitely we want to see Les Nubians and The Soil.
What do you have in store for your fans? Great vibes, energy and a masala of great ingredients from Mozambique. We bring a great message of peace, love and harmony.
Black Jesus (aus)
How do you feel about playing Bushfire?
BJX are thrilled to be coming to Bushfire. We’ve been working to get here since the band’s friend and mixer, Myles Mumford, told us about his time working at Bushfire and the great people and musical culture in Swaziland.
What do you have planned for your set? We’re going to bring our flame to the inferno and shake The House On Fire till it comes tumblin’ down.
What are you expectations for the event? BJX travel to share our music, but also to meet people and share inspiration, a commodity which looks to be abundant at Bushfire and in Swaziland.
Tlale Makhene (SA)
How would you describe your sound? It is a mixture of urban and traditional sounds. I grew up in rural Swaziland and during the holidays I visited my parents in Joburg where I would be surrounded by jazz. Back in Swaziland I would listen to traditional and folk music. This helped in making my sound.
Why is important for you to play Bushfire? First, it’s an honour to perform my music for the people of the kingdom of Swaziland since my roots are in SD. Second, the festival brings artists from all over the world together and it is a chance to meet and share ideas.
Which acts are you keen to see perform? I’m looking forward to seeing The Soil.
What do you have in store for your fans? My fans should brace themselves for a feast of music inspired by my life and the people around me. Grooves inspired by southern Africa and jazz.
Nomsa M
How would you describe your sound? I would call it Afro-traditional jazz/pop.
Why is important for you to play Bushfire? I want to exhibit my work on an international stage and give my fans what I have for them this season.
Which acts are you keen to see perform? It will have to be Freshlyground and The Soil.
What do you have in store for your fans? I am going to give them the best of me; dancing will be the order of my performance. I am bringing my fire, they must bring theirs.
l The MTN Bushfire Festival, Friday to Sunday, Swaziland. Tickets: www.bush-fire.com/article/view/buy_tickets.