Swaziland: Top African artists added to Bushfire line-up

The first batch of artists was released in February and features musicians from South Africa, Cape Verde, Mozambique, Europe and South America.

Keita and Alade are also scheduled to perform on Constitution Hill in Johannesburg, South Africa, on the same weekend.

Known as the 'Golden Voice of Africa', Keita returns to southern Africa after playing last year’s Joy of Jazz festival in Johannesburg in late September. The Malian artist, whose career spans more than 30 years, is known around the world for his soaring vocals and energetic, big-band performances.  

The ‘Seydou Bathili’ singer has worked with greats such as the late Joe Zawinul, Wayne Shorter, Paco Sery, Carlos Santana and Bill Summers. Keita's music fuses traditional West African styles and draws influences from Europe and the US.

Alade is considered one of Nigeria’s biggest musical exports. She has shared the stage with Mary J Blige, Shina Peters, M.I and Wizkid. On 13 March, Alade released her ‘Bum Bum’ song, which a month later has already garnered 3.4 million YouTube views. She is known for her electrifying live performances and various collaborations across Africa. The Afro-pop singer and songwriter is expected to perform songs from her recent Black Magic album.

South African choral group Ladysmith Black Mambazo, which bagged a fifth Grammy for its latest album Shaka Zulu Revisited this year, returns to MTN Bushfire to entertain yet another generation of fans. The group was founded in 1964 by Joseph Shabalala and became known around the world through its collaboration with Paul Simon on the Graceland album.  

MTN Bushfire, which is in its 12th edition, is ranked among the top festivals in the world and has received global recognition from CNN and BBC.