MTN Bushfire Festival 2024: A Celebration of Music, Art, and Unity in Eswatini
Malkerns Valley, Eswatini – 21 May 2024: The picturesque Malkerns Valley of Eswatini is set to welcome over 20,000 attendees for the highly anticipated MTN Bushfire Festival 2024, a vibrant weekend celebrating music, arts, creative activism, tolerance, and inclusion.
The festival, running from May 30 to June 1, promises a diverse range of musical, artistic, and performance-based experiences, alongside meaningful conversations, installations, and activations across multiple stages and zones.
Opening and Early Activities
The campsite opens for early campers at 11 AM on Thursday, May 30, with the festival grounds accessible from 4 PM to 10 PM for trading stall visits. Early campers can also enjoy the Vutsa Umlilo opening ceremony at 6:30 PM, featuring live performances from local artists. General admissions begin at 4 PM on Friday, May 31, and attendees are encouraged to arrive early to avoid border congestion.
Exciting Stage Line-Up
This year’s festival features eight exciting stages:
- Main Stage: Headlined by the legendary Malian Blues founders Amadou & Mariam, replacing the initially announced Nneka. Other notable performers include Thandiswa Mazwai, Eswatini’s Bholoja, South Africa’s Jeremy Loops, Makhadzi, and the Grammy-nominated Musa Keys.
- House on Fire Amphitheatre Stage: Known for its intimate atmosphere, this stage will host a variety of performances including drumming, theatre, comedy, and music. Highlights include UK saxophonist Camilla George, Afro-Soul and Hip Hop fusion artist Sarnilo, Spanish folk innovators Féten Féten, and South African duo Guy Buttery & Nibs van der Spuy.
- Ballantine’s Firefly Stage: A high-energy space featuring renowned DJs such as Da Capo, Daliwonga, Vigro Deep, and local talents Speech Umlangeni, Tamika, and Uncle Karly.
- Bring Your Fire Stage: An acoustic haven for relaxation and involvement.
- KidZone Stage: Themed “African Safari,” this area offers fun, interactive activities focused on wildlife conservation, with childminders on hand.
- Heineken, Jägermeister, and Corona Stages: Each with their unique line-ups, adding to the festival’s diverse musical offerings.
Family-Friendly Fun
The KidZone will be bustling with activities centered on rewilding themes, including the Wildlife Sanctuary, Garden Safari, Karaoke, and Cultural Village Experience.
Global Food Village and Barn Marketplace
Attendees can indulge in a variety of cuisines at the Global Food Village and explore the Barn Marketplace, offering creative, sustainably sourced products and services, designed for ethical consumers.
MTN Bushfire Festival 2024 is poised to be an unforgettable experience, uniting people from around the world through the power of music, art, and shared humanity.
The full festival line-up and all other information can be found on the website, www.bush-fire.com
