This festival has so much oomph that it has a recognised effect on Swaziland’s tourism economy. It’s one of our all-time favourite festivals at African Drift.

MTN Bushfire was just in January listed as one of the top 300 festivals IN THE WORLD by Everfest. Last year it won the award for Best Responsible Event at the African Responsible Tourism Awards. It has also been named in by CNN as one of the ‘7 African music festivals you really have to see’ and listed by BBC as a ‘Top African Festival.’

Artists this year include 5K-HD, Alice Phoebe Lou, Derek Gripper, DJ Bob, DJ Lag, Elida Almeida, Flavia Coelho, Georgetown, Nakhane, Nathalie Nathiembe, Nonku Phiri, Sipho ‘Hotstix’ Mabuse, Staceyann Chin, Timbila Muzimba and Tlale Mahkene. 

From the festival website: “MTN Bushfire is a uniquely African, and yet globally infused, festival experience that welcomes thousands of people in an atmosphere of tolerance and passionate commitment to music, the arts, and the environment. Every year, approximately 29,000 guests hailing from 58 different countries converge on the peaceful Malkerns Valley for an energizing and uplifting weekend that celebrates the music and arts of Africa and beyond. More than simply a music festival, MTN Bushfire is a holistic experience made up of a rich texture of arts, cultures, crafts, food markets, and specialized zones that combine to create an explosive three-day event and a memorable take-home experience.”

The festival takes place at House on Fire, a custom built venue, 23km from Swaziland’s capital, Mbabane, and is a short 14km from Ezulwini. Google Map coordinates: -26.4981694, 31.2147246,16