MTN Bushfire 17th Edition Brought Eswatini’s House on Fire with Makhadzi's Electrifying Closing Performances
In true MTN Bushfire signature style, the 2024 Bushfire festival was yet another diverse and dynamic programme for its 17th edition which took place from 31 May to 2 June, 2024 at House On Fire in Eswatini. This year’s MTN Bushfire festival programme featured a variety of acts from a broad range of disciplines who was delighted to entertain the old and the young alike!
MTN Bushfire is loved for curating eclectic and inspiring musical performances from globally renowned acts, while introducing fans to exciting musical gems who make for an exciting addition to any music playlist. Fans of the festival – also affectionately known as Fire Starters – once again were treated to an alluring line-up of comedy, theatre, interactive drumming and ceramics workshops, as well as a vibrant mix of circus acts and roving performances. MTN Bushfire truly has something for everyone!
As one of Africa’s leading international festivals of music and the arts, MTN Bushfire is a conscious celebration of unity in diversity and an inspiring emblem of social inclusion. The full festival line-up, was nothing short of spectacular performances from the the likes of Thandiswa Mazwai, Lloyiso, Bongeziwe Mabandla, Bholoja, BCUC, Maleh and Makhadzi who brought the house on fire with her closing performance. Makhadzi said she was super excited to perform for her fans at the Bushfire festival. "From performing at the dusty streets of taxi ranks and local tarvens in limpopo to a global stage. I have arrived and I'm more than just a superstar, I'm a BET Award nominee" she said
MUSIC
The music line-up featured a pulsating global range of celebrated artists such as the legendary Thandiswa Mazwai who on stage mentioned Grace Jones concert that she attended and the audience reminding her of that performances. A much loved Lloyiso from South Africa entertained the audience with his sing-alongs.
Another perfect complement to the MTN Bushfire aesthetic was the American rapper and producer, Oddissee. The UK’s Camilla George and Blue Lab Beats who jazzed things up with a dynamic performance courtesy of a partnership between pioneering grassroots jazz organisation, Jazz refreshed and South African creative agency, The Dig.
South Africa was further represented by the 2024 Grammy nominee Musa Keys who who brought the amapiono moves on stage and the fans were dancing along to the piano jams, Bongiziwe Mabandla followed suit with his indie sounds of afro soul; as well as Jeremy Loops.
COMEDY
Two of South Africa’s comedy legends, Namaste Bae and Kagiso ‘KG’ Mokgadi, teamed up for the 2024 Comedy Showcase. Everyone’s favourite Namaste Bae is Rob van Vuuren. The acclaimed actor, comedian, director, writer and voice-over artist who has graced various stages all over the world.
Kagiso ‘KG’ Mokgadi, is the quintessential comedy heavyweight. Influenced by old-school comedy greats – and touted by his colleagues as an up-and-coming great – this multiple-award-winning stand-up comedian will have you laughing from deep within your belly.
THEATRE
“My Fellow South Africans” is a multi-sketch one-person revue by playwright Mike van Graan in the tradition of his award-winning works, Bafana Republic and Pay Back the Curry. Described as political satire at its best, My Fellow South Africans has already earned the performer, Kim Blanche Adonis, two Best Solo Performance awards and further nominations for similar awards.
INTERACTIVE DRUMMING
Festivalgoers eager to create their own sounds enjoyed the interactive performance from Klitsgras Drumming. These drumming sessions were led by talented and passionate musicians who are skilled in a variety of African and Latin drumming styles.
CERAMIC WORKSHOP
Another interactive workshop to look out for was the Ceramics Workshop with Andile Dyalvane, one of South Africa’s foremost ceramic artists. A recipient of the 2015 Design Foundation Icon Award, his work has been collected by art museums all over the world.
ROVING PERFORMANCES
This year the roving performances by larger-than-life performance art collective BDI, with their daring fire displays, beloved giant puppets and stilt walkers. It was astounding.
CIRCUS PERFORMANCE
MTN Bushfire also created a circus stage area at the centre of the festival Main Arena for the breath-taking aerial acrobatics and gymnastics displays from The Cirk. Loved by the young and old alike, The Cirk brought the unforgettable, unique magic of the circus to MTN Bushfire with their thrilling performances!
KIDZONE
With this year’s MTN Bushfire KidZone theme, African Safari, young Fire Starters had creatively stimulating activities such as the Watering Hole that has a spread of delectable healthy food and sweet treats. This year also featured a Wilderness Stage where children can show off their talent, the Art Hut where they can get their creative juices flowing and the Swazi Playground which has a high-energy jungle gym with a mix of modern and nostalgic African games.
Additionally, MTN Bushfire Festival fans were entertained with the colourful range of dazzling cultural performances, family friendly activities, dance, spoken word and the ever-popular artisanal Barn Marketplace, Global Food Village, and KidZone, as well as an invigorated Bring Your Fire Zone for interactive social and environmental advocacy.