The MTN Bushfire, one of Africa’s premium festivals, will be drawing in music lovers from all over the continent and the world from May 25 to 27 at Ezulwini in Swaziland.
At an intimate launch that was held on Tuesday, February 20, the festival’s organisers also announced that there would be some changes, including a cashless payment system for all those attending the event, called Howler.
Festival-goers will load money onto their cards at specific points, and swipe their way through the festival.
Annually, Bushfire attracts a diverse and eclectic audience of about 30000 people, who are entertained by the arts, culture, crafts, food markets and specialised zones that combine to create an explosive three-day event and a memorable take-home experience.
This year, the main stage will play host to some of Africa’s (and the world’s) top artists, featuring well-known and loved favourites, as well as introducing crowds to international artists of the highest calibre.
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The event was announced winner of the African Best Responsible Event Award last year, hailed by CNN as one of the “seven African music festivals you really have to see”, and listed by the BBC as a “Top African Festival”.
Bushfire can now add a new accolade to this list, as it was recently named one of the Top 30 international festivals on the Everfest Fest 300 list.
The festival’s artist line- up reflects its identity as a uniquely African, and yet globally infused, experience.
Many of these artists will also tour the region as part of the innovative Igoda Southern African Festival Circuit, which includes the Azgo Festival (Maputo, Mozambique), Bassline Africa Day (Joburg), Bushfire (Malkerns, Swaziland), Zakifo Festival (Durban) and Sakifo Festival (Saint-Pierre, Reunion Island).
The Bushfire main stage consistently plays host to some of Africa’s (and the world’s) top artists, featuring well-known and loved favourites, as well as introducing crowds to international artists.
Last time I saw the legend at performing @bushfirefest last yeah... #RIPHughMasekela pic.twitter.com/7r8deDSOyu
— You’re fuckable that’s why I (@JustLeMar) January 23, 2018
This year’s line-up includes Tlale Makhene (Swaziland), Timbila Muzimba (Mozambique), The Grammers (Finland), Sibusile Xaba (South Africa), Samthing Soweto (South Africa), Rebirth of Cool (South Africa), Oki Dub Ainu Band (Japan), Nonku Phiri (South Africa), Nathalie Natiembé (Reunion Island), Nakhane Touré (South Africa) and Dub Inc (France), to name a few.
Tickets are now on sale, as well as various travel and accommodation options. Festival guests are strongly encouraged to book early as tickets sell fast, and many accommodation options are also booked well in advance.
There are a variety of ticket and accommodation (camping and glamping) options, as well as special VIP and family friendly packages.