MTN Bushfire announces 2025 full line-up and programme

They will be joined by an eclectic array of artists, including celebrated South African musician Thandiswa Mazwai, genre-defying Mozambican band 340ml, Taiwanese star ABAO, and Grupo MAVICHI from South America. Representing Eswatini’s vibrant local scene are artists such as Heal.N Keys, Khole, Stella Jacobs, and a high-energy collaboration between Young Zesh and Lyrikal Busta. The festival will open with a stirring performance by local dance troupe Intsatsakusa, who will reinterpret a seldom-seen traditional dance.

South African jazz virtuosos Nduduzo Makhathini and Omagugu will bring their signature style of spiritual jazz, fusing modern music with their Zulu roots. Meanwhile, legends Madala Kunene and Sibusile Xaba will join forces with eSwatini percussionist Tlale Makhena to debut the much-anticipated 2025 CollaboNation song.

The international line-up further includes Cape Town’s socially conscious jazz ensemble Kujenga, Afro-Gypsy fusion band Crimson House, Madagascar’s energetic garage rockers The Dizzy Brains, and British genre-blender Zara McFarlane, whose work interweaves jazz, reggae, folk, and electronica with African diasporic rhythms.

A pulse of dance and DJ culture

The Corona Firefly Stage promises an electrifying atmosphere throughout the weekend. Highlights include performances by Kenya’s boundary-pushing DJ and artivist Coco Em, Zimbabwe’s Charisse C, Switzerland’s Bony Fly, and South African favourites DJ Lag, Oscar Mbo, Thakzin, and Digital Sangoma. eSwatini’s own DJ talents will shine with sets by Wassabee, The Scientists, Ohpis, Sibu Manzini, and the exciting Lady Zee & ItsAllBlaq B2B showcase.

Renowned for its inclusive ethos, MTN Bushfire remains a proudly family-friendly festival. The KidZone, themed Planet Africa, will offer a fun, environmentally conscious and interactive space for children. Meanwhile, the UN Bring Your Fire Zone will host socially-driven workshops, including a special collaborative session with acclaimed South African designer Heath Nash.

Audiences can also expect a wide variety of performances from across disciplines. These include the absurdist antics of Huge Sillytoe, the indigenous Taiwanese troupe Namguaq Girls, local favourites Ziyawa KaZitha and KingDon Thobela, as well as a musical collaboration between Eswatini’s Sarnilo and South African psychedelic R&B artist Crunchy Sweater.

Six stages, infinite experiences

Spanning six dynamic stages, the festival offers something for every taste. These include the flagship MTN Bushfire Main Stage, the intimate Amphitheatre Stage, the electrifying Corona Firefly Stage, the acoustic UN Bring Your Fire Zone Stage, the family-centred KidZone Stage, and the electronica-focused MeisterHaus partner stage.

Under the festival’s guiding mantra, “Bring Your Fire”, MTN Bushfire continues to champion sustainability, diversity, and creative activism. The 2025 programme embodies a global fusion of acclaimed artists and emerging talents, all contributing to a rich cultural celebration.

Festivalgoers will also be treated to a variety of cultural experiences including poetry readings, comedy showcases, acrobatics by The Cirk, and the eco-themed theatre production Ka-Boom. The Global Food Village will offer a wide range of culinary delights, while The Barn Marketplace provides ethically sourced artisan goods for conscious consumers.

Celebrating unity and expression

One of the festival’s highlights, the Unity Parade, will take place on Saturday at 4pm. This colourful celebration of diversity and inclusion invites all attendees to participate in costume and show their creative spirit.

As always, MTN Bushfire 2025 promises to deliver an unforgettable experience through its vibrant fusion of music, arts, and community. Whether you’re a returning Fire Starter or a first-time attendee, the festival offers an open invitation to ignite your passion and celebrate shared humanity.