Swaziland: It’s Almost Time for The MTN Bushfire Festival 2017!

From Hugh Masekela to Jah Prayzah….From The Kiffness to Bombino…..From TKZee to Jojo Abot…From GoodLuck to Baloji…..and of course ZAHARA!

From across Africa and beyond, this year’s MTN Bushfire Festival will sure be a wild fire. With multiple stages and activity streams, May 26-28th will be jam packed with a diversity of musical styles that span the spectrum and the globe.

With four stages this year, The Main Stage, Bacardi House on Fire Stage, The Barn and the newly added FireFly Stage, guests can take their pick of artists. The Main Stage will see MTN Bushfire headline acts including Hugh Masekela, GoodLuck, Bombino, Baloji, TKZee, Jah Prayzah and Jeremy Loops amongst others.

The Bacardi House on Fire stage features an exciting and eclectic line-up that includes Jojo Abot, The Kiffness, Mute Band, Ben Dey & The Concrete Lions, Trenton & Free Radical and many many more.

The more sedate Barn stage will provide a relaxing and diverse line-up that includes film screenings, open mic sessions, as well as live performances from Dusty & Stones, Hanwah, Floewe, Sutherland and Black Rhino amongst many others.

MTN Bushfire 2017 is also thrilled to announce the newest addition to this year’s Festival, MTN Bushfire Firefly STAGE, proudly sponsored by MTN, which gives budding local artists the chance to perform alongside top regional DJs. More than 100 local artists from a variety of genres entered a competition to perform on this stage and 3 winners were granted the opportunity to grace the Firefly stage during MTN Bushfire 2017.

Here is the full line up for MTN BUSHFIRE 2017…………

80 Script (Swaziland). A Swazi hip-hop artists since the age iof 16, 80 Script has shared a stage with the likes of Cassper Nyovest, AKA, Reason and Kwesta amongst others. He also appeared on the biggest hip hop youth show in South Africa, Shizniz.

Baloji (Congo). Congolese performer Baloji, is a poet, composer, lyricist/beatmaker, scriptwriter, actor, and video artist. His genre busting music is elegantly poised at the crossroads of African music, rap music, American music (soul, funk, jazz) and even deep house.

Batuk (South Africa/Mozambique/Uganda). Batuk is a creative collective founded by prolific artist and vocalist Manteiga, alongside South African electronic music producers Aero Manyelo and Spoek Mathambo. The central function of Batuk is to connect the African diaspora based on shared and exchanged rhythm, culture and language.

Bholoja (Swaziland). Bholoja’s striking multi-colored voice and his native lyrical songs has won respect and expanded his following across national borders. Bholoja is Swaziland’s rising symbol of song, art and culture. His greatest inspiration is Swazi tradition and way of life.

Ben Day & The Concrete Lions (SA). Political, soulful, African and organic are just some of the words to describe their unique rock sound that saw them shoot to the top of local radio charts last year.

Black Rhino (South Africa / Swaziland). Black Rhino, born Sakhile Gumbi, lives and works between Mbabane Swaziland and Johannesburg South Africa. Through his contemporary voicing of the Nguni sound he fuses influences from music around the world that include jazz, classical, indie folk, rock and hip hop in a way that is often off-beat, hard, yet tender.

DJ Bob (South Africa). Armed with a cosmic knowledge of Jazz and dance music, DJ Bob packs a bag of finely pickledfFunk vinyl and rare grooves for your dancing pleasure. This well-seasoned veteran of the South African music industry continues to surprise dance floors with his eclectic mix of heady and funky tunes.

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Bombino (Niger). Taureg music has captured the world’s attention, and one of its most successful sons is Bombino. His album Nomad debuted at #1 on the Billboard World Music album chart and has earned rave reviews from top media outlets around the world including BBC World Service, which called it “utterly, utterly fantastic.”

Chico Antonio (Mozambique). Chico Antonio is a unique artist whose sound is a fusion between afro-pop and afro-rock, with a strong jazz influence rooted in Mozambican rhythms. Chico is an icon of contemporary Mozambican music – multi-rhythmic and multi-melodic.

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Diloxclusiv (South Africa). Considered to be one of the top DJ’s in Cape Town, his unique style of mixing house, Kwaito, Afrobeat and world music has made him one of the most sought after DJ’s on the scene.

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Dusty & Stones (Swaziland). Winners of Tihlabani Awards for best country group/artist for three consecutive years: 2009, 2010 and, 2011, Dusty & Stones is made up of two talented country artists. Dusty is on lead & harmony vocals, whilst Stones is also on lead & harmony locals.

Easy Freak (South Africa). Easy Freak is a new electronic duo based in Durban, Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa, consisting of Dominic Hurd and Jude Kenrick. Their sound is hard to pin down, as it’s an eclectic mix of Pop/Electro/Funk/Soul and other sounds combined, but one thing’s for sure, they’ll get you moving.

The Exchange (United States). The Exchange is an American A Cappella Quintet. All the sounds are formed by the human voice, from the lyrics to the drums. The Exchange creates an atmosphere where everyone in the audience feels like they are part of the show. The show is half concert, half house party as the group’s diversity appeals to audiences all across the globe.

Faada Freddy (Senegal/ France). Faada Freddy is a well-loved rapper turned gospel artist whose latest album, Gospel Journey, was recorded using only vocals and body percussion. But far from being experimental, the result is accessible, containing pop hymns with catchy melodies that give an irresistible urge to smile, sing or even dance.

Femi Koya (Nigeria). Femi celebrates Africa’s love of life with infectious dance numbers that bring fans to their feet wherever be performs. With musical influences that include Fela Kuti, Bob Marley, Manu Di Bango, Hugh Masekela, and Baaba Maal, Femi makes music about this homecoming and what the future holds if Africans unite.

Flameboy Universe (Swaziland). This producer, rapper and electronic music artist has taken Swaziland by storm. He shot to the top of SBIS’s charts and remained their for 5 weeks last year – making him one of the Swaziland’s hottest artists.

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DJ Fred Spider (South Africa). On stage, he turns himself to an eclectic style and took his inspiration from polymorphous beats and dancing grooves, spreading his well known good mood on the dancefloor: Mod, Jazz, 50’s R’n’B, Swing, Motown, Rare Soul, Deep funk, Brazilian Beats, Latin Kicks, Soulful Drum’n’Bass and more.

Floewe (Swaziland). A Swazi Afro-sheen artist who is one of Swaziland’s long standing gifted vocalists,with an alluring energy and charm in the most fascinating way. Floewe is a big thinker,overly passionate and emotional which makes her the artist she is today

GoodLuck (South Africa). GoodLuck have taken their infectious live dance music around the world and back. The trio’s music is an irresistible blend of electronica, pop and subtle influences of jazz. GoodLuck have shared stages with Groove Armada, Bassment Jaxx, The Petshop Boys, and Paul Oakenfold to name a few.

Gren Seme (Reunion Island). Grèn Sémé succeeds in bringing maloya far beyond Reunion Island’s borders. Their music, deeply rooted in tradition, explores new horizons and new sounds.

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Hanwah (South Africa). Hanwah is a pianist and vocalist who uses the help of the looper to channel the blues and jazz she grew up with, the folk and she grew into, and the South African jazz pianists that currently inspire her.

Hugh Masekela (South Africa). Hugh Masekela needs no introduction to most audiences. Going into his 6th decade of performance and with 44 albums under his belt, this living legend still packs a punch with his riveting live performances.

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Itallo Dlamini (Swaziland). Itallo Dlamini is a born and bred Swazi jazz artist. whose inclination and approach to music was greatly influenced by jazz legends including Hugh Masekela, Jonas Gwangwa, Miles Davis and many others who played brass instruments.

Jah Prayzah (Zimbabwe). Jah Prazah is Zimbabwe’s biggest musical export in decades, enthralling tens of thousands of fans across Africa with his reggae infused African style. Make sure to pack your camos to be part of the Jah Prayzah experience.

Jeremy Loops (South Africa). Juxtaposing booming city rhythms with lilting folk, Jeremy Loops perfectly captures the duality of his South African life. In a whirlwind 2014 and 2015, Loops debuted at #1 on iTunes in South Africa, won the MTV Best Pop Alternative 2015, and maintained #1 on the three most prominent radio stations in Southern Africa.

JoJo Abot (Ghana). Jojo Abot is a Ghanaian artist who expresses herself through music, film, photography, literature, and performance art. A true global fusionist and genre blender in both sound and artistic expression, Jojo Abot is poised to take the world by storm.

Karla Kenya (Swaziland/Germany/USA). Karla Kenya took the crown as the winner for EMI’s DJ Competition “She Can DJ“ for GSA in 2012., making her the first black female in history to win the electronic dance music driven competition.

Kids n Cats (Austria). These self described “superpop” artists are known for what some call crazy style. Their recent album is sung in English, French and various contrived languages over funky beats, dream pop elements, buggy guitar riffs.

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The Kiffness (South Africa). Quirky and imaginative, The Kiffness makes jazzy, groovy & uplifting house music and are fast becoming one of South Africa’s favourite live electronic acts.. The Kiffness have become known for their ever-innovative videos, collaborations and ever-so-catchy tunes.

Kwesta (South Africa). Over the last 10 years Kwesta has taken Africa by storm. He has collaborated with African greats like 2-Face, Jozi & others on MTN’s Everywhere You Go anthem which featured, Destiny’s Child’s Kelly Rowland (USA).

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Lee Thompson Quintet (South Africa). This celebrated Cape Town-based trumpet player has made his mark performing with acclaimed bands and superstars including Hog Hoggidy Hog, Golliwog, Mix n Blend, Closet Snare, Restless Natives, Grassy Spark, Toya Delazy and Rumswinger.

Lodanda (Swaziland). Lodanda’s music is 100% undiluted pure Swazi music with a pure African vibe. Through her music, you will experience the pure Swazi beat, pure Swazi voices and tunes; most of all, her songs tell you the story of a Swazi woman in a dance.

Matthew Mole (South Africa). Matthew Mole has become one of South Africa’s most respected singer-songwriters just within the past few years. His unique and honest style propelled him to early success via the online release of his first songs in 2011. He has followed up with a number of chart topping radio hits.

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Michael Canfield (USA/South Africa). Michael Canfield is a one-man Cajun blues machine, with no loops, no tracks but just blood, sweat and a whole lotta soul, passion and energy. He is a ‘tour-de-force’ of nature, singing,, strumming the tenor guitar and baritone uke, and playing drums.

DJ MixMash (Swaziland). Currently Mixmash is a household name demanded both in local and international entertainment scenes. His skill and versatility to DJ for multi-age and multi-racial audiences has earned him a top spot in providing entertainment for both the Corporate and clubbing audience.

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Msaki (South Africa). This idiosyncratic singer, songwriter and musician from the Eastern Cape with the voice that expresses honest emotion, and as she explains, who uses “layers and colours and sounds and words to navigate through the joy and mess of life.”

The Mute Band (Mozambique). Mute Band is the Band of Mutes because this band has no vocalist. Its fundamental basis is the sample, taking its audience on a sound trip through hip hop with psychedelic atmospheres, bringing to the public an experience never seen in the scene of Mozambican music.

Nicholas Ellenbogen’s Theatre for Africa (South Africa). THEATRE FOR AFRICA was founded by Elizabeth and Nicholas Ellenbogen in September 1989. Their aim has been to research, create and perform works of Africa at a top international level. They have developed and trained more than 100 actors from Cairo to Cape Town creating truly useful rural theatre groups.

Petite Noir (South Africa / Belgium). Petite Noir, a young South African of Belgian and Angolan descent, iis a songwriter, producer and musician who defies description. Since his recording debut in 2012 Petite Noir has created what he describes as “noir wave” or “new wave with an African aesthetic.”

Reason & The Brass Cartel (South Africa). SA hiphop star Reason is known for his innovation and style – so it is no surprise to see him teaming up with the Brass Cartel, a unique promotional concept from Jagermeister who started the concept in Germany in 2012.

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Root Afrika (Swaziland). Root Afrika is a songwriter and composer who sings in his native language SiSwati. His music is Afro beat with some elements of West African rhythms. The singer believes that his music can reinvent and enrich itself with new sounds.

Rootswords (Switzerland). World hip hop – an organic cross border electronic sound from award winning Swiss artist.

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Sands (Swaziland). Swaziland’s own Sands has been celebrated from all corners of the country after his rise to fame with a collaboration with a local Hip Hop poet Qibho, on the track “Ntfombatana Lenhle.”

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Seba Kaapstad (South Africa). Seba Kaapstad’s musical style is shaped by the diverse cultures and different styles of its band members. Their sound is an urban mix of Rhythm’n’Blues, Hip-Hop, Soul, and Jazz.

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Shepard Brothers (Swaziland). Swaziland’s best DJ, Percussionist and Fire Acrobat/Dancer trio, Shepard Brothers, has won the hearts of many supporters with their new style of performing House/Afro/Dance Music. Their explosive performance is said to be moving souls. The DJ will amaze you with his energy on the decks, Tribal Dance music selection, and smooth mixing skills.

Siyinqaba (Swaziland). Mozaik and KrTC of Hi, together they are known as SIYINQABA – which translates to “We are the Fortress” in English and are arguably the most illustrious hip hop duo in The Kingdom of Swaziland.

Sutherland (South Africa). Sutherland is an indie-folk band based in Johannesburg, South Africa. What drives their song-writing is their shared passion for unique yet challenging composition. Combining simple, yet unusual structures with an acute focus on detail. Sutherland strive to achieve a singular style of music that is at the same time, accessible and alluring to anyone who hears it

Swazi Reggae Legends (Swaziland). The Swazi Reggae Legends are a combination of swazi afro reggae artists from different backgrounds,who have performed partialy together locally and international. The music is versitile Reggae styles blended with afro beats.

TKZee (South Africa). Fans of 90’s Kwaito can rejoice in the return of arguably one of best of the original Kwaito acts – TKZee helped to define the era. Zwai Bala, Kabelo Mabalane and Tokollo Tshabalala are BACK with all of their 90’s hits.

Trenton & Free Radical (South Africa). Trenton & Free Radical’s sound—seductive, acoustic, urban—elegantly marries catchy tunes with meaningful lyrics. Their songs have the energy and impact of anthems, their words pack meaning and their rhythms are ones you can’t help bopping to. Its revolutionary music geared to ignite dance-floors while exploding our thinking.

Vukazithathe (South Africa). Bhekisenzo Cele aka Vukazithathe is a multi-instrumentalist, composer and singer with a powerful energy and a great knack for improvisation. He is a veteran of the south coast KwaZulu-Natal music scene.

Zahara (South Africa). The South African songstress is a complete musician, apart from singing with an alto voice, she also plays the guitar. Her music is a mixture of neo-soul, Afro-pop sounds with rock elements, traditional Xhosa rhythms with the mixture of chanting reggae and blues. Some people have already likened her to US singer Tracy Chapman because of her guitar-playing style.