Hot on the heels of the announcement of Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 as the headline act for this year’s event, the MTN Bushfire Festival, taking place in the Malkerns Valley in the Kingdom of Eswatini from May 27 – 29, has announced the rest of the eclectic and exciting line-up from across Africa and around the globe.
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Just some of the exciting acts added to this year’s line-up include Congolese-born singer, songwriter, music producer, entrepreneur and philanthropist Tresor; South African award-winning Maskandi music legend Ihhashi Elimhlophe; and the legendary Don Laka, who in 2022 marks a 50-year crescendo of artistic discovery and reinvention as one of South Africa’s revered musical icons.
In true MTN Bushfire style, the line-up this year will feature a wholesome and family-friendly mix of pan-African and international artists from across different genres who do more than simply entertain but use their art as a powerful form of creative expression.
The line-up reflects a strong representation of African talent including Botswana melodist and songwriter Mpho Sebina, a global music force with a voice that dances over melodic beats and production; Moticoma, a vibrant band inspired by deep roots and traditional elements of Mozambican music; South Africa’s Bonj, who describes her sound as a blend of electronic music with soulful melodies and groove; Mandisi Dyantyis, an acclaimed South African vocalist, trumpeter and musical director known for his versatility in Jazz, Western Classical and African indigenous music; and Georgetown and the Moonies, a complementary Afro-fusion mix of Blue Billy Folk and African brass; to name just a few.
Global discoveries ready to be enjoyed this year include Gavriela, an Austrian-Peruvian artist, singer-songwriter and producer who is known for her ethereal tribal pop music and spiritual visual experiences; Blindsmyth, a Berlin based musical globetrotter always on the road searching for new musical ideas and sounds to inspire and get inspired; Reunion Island’s Aurus, Eritrean-born, Amsterdam-raised R & B artist Rimon, and the wide soundscapes of Amsterdam based Ghanaian artist Bnnyhunna.
As always, MTN Bushfire will also feature some of the hottest DJ’s, including South Africa’s home-grown legend, DJ Ready D as well as Jamiie, an international DJ and producer based in Berlin; Ms Selfie, a Zambian based Afro House DJ known for her versatility and passion for House music and its sub-genre, Amapiano; DBN Gogo from South Africa; and Culoe De Song a South African producer, remixer and DJ. Of course, there is also the full line-up of amazing DJ talent that will grace the Ballentine’s Firefly Stage throughout the weekend. The full programme can be found on the MTN Bushfire website.
These acts join the previously announced headline act, Seun Kuti & Egypt 80, as well as other artists such as the beloved Eswatini artist Sands; The One Who Sings, known to many as Zolani Mahola of Freshlyground fame, the world-renowned and celebrated Ndlovu Youth Choir, as well as top South African acts Nasty C, The Kiffness, Blk Jks, Sun-EL Musician, and Msaki.
This year’s line-up will once again feature various stages, including the MTN Bushfire Main Stage, the House on Fire Amphitheatre Stage, and the Ballantine’s Firefly Stage. With more than just music, the festival this year will feature a mix of range of entertaining and thought-provoking acts including poetry, theatre, dance and comedy.
MTN Bushfire’s diverse line-up for 2022 includes award-winning theatre, with the staging of Vuka Machel, written and directed by Market Lab alumnus Mncedisi Shabangu. It’s a revolutionary comedy told by two chicken thieves from Kanyamazane, just outside Nelspruit in Mpumalanga. Through the eyes of this infamous pair, the audience is taken on an unforgettable journey.
This year will see a strong comedy line-up headed by South African comedy legends Rob van Vuuren and KG Mokgadi, teaming up with Zimbabwe’s iconic Q Dube and Eswatini’s very own, and very hilarious, Mdura for an MTN Bushfire All-Star stand-up comedy show. Join some of Africa’s most exciting comedy voices for a side-splitting addition to your MTN Bushfire experience! This truly fired up selection of multi-award-winning comedians will give you a fresh and hilarious perspective on the chaos of the last few years.
More information on all these amazing artists can be found on the Artists page at www.bush-fire.com. Look out for further exciting acts to be announced on the MTN Ayoba channel and @mtnbushfire on social media.
Tickets & Covid Protocols
As one of the COVID-19 safety protocols, festivalgoers will be required to provide a valid certificate of full vaccination against Covid-Covid-19 to enter the festival grounds. This is a requirement for all ages eligible for vaccination in each festivalgoers’ country of residence; a valid ticket alone will not be enough to gain entry.