It’s all systems go for the annual pilgrimage to the mountainous neighbouring kingdom of Swaziland, known as the last bastion of African culture and traditions, as thousands of revellers from around the world attend the three-day MTN Bushfire festival, from May 25th – 27th 2018.

The official MTN Bushfire campsite opens from May 24th, to allow merrymakers’ festival weekend even longer.

Salif Keita, the world-renowned musician and activist from Mali; Ladysmith Black Mambazo, South Africa’s multiple award-winning pride and one of the world’s greatest and most distinctive acapella groups; and Sandz, Swaziland’s sensational star of the catchy ‘Tigi’ anthem, are some of the big attractions of this year’s festival.

This year also sees a performance from Stacey Ann Chin, a Jamaican born multiple award-winning poet and performer.

The diverse line-up reflects the festival’s identity as a uniquely African, and yet globally infused festival experience. With additional stages including the House on Fire Amphitheatre and The Barn, DJ focused dance floors and a range of other activities, MTN Bushfire caters for a diverse and eclectic audience of over 29,000 annually.

Jiggs Thorne, the founder and director of MTN Bushfire told The Young Independents that profits from the event go towards supporting local charities.

6 reasons why millennials should care about the MTN Bushfire Festival:

1. Winner of the African Best Responsible Event Award in 2017, MTN Bushfire has also been hailed 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.”

2. The carnival celebrates creative expression whilst promoting important global issues including environmental sustainability, education, cultural development, human rights, equality for LGBTI people, gender issues, as well as sexual and reproductive health and freedom.

3. Following a rise in incidents of discrimination and hostility towards the LGBTI community, The MTN Bushfire Rainbow Fire Stall Activation will promote inclusion, acceptance and tolerance.

4. A vibrant handcraft market, family-friendly performances and children zone as well as the recently introduced interactive art and dialogue space – aptly called The Barn – all combine to create a magically diverse entertainment ‘bucket list’.

5. Another feature is the Global Food Village which celebrates a wide variety of the world’s cultures through the art of food.

6. In 2015 the MTN Bushfire Festival generated $2,5 million (R33 Million) to the country’s economy in just three days. What visitors spend when they are here contributes to job creation and economy growth.

Categories: Entertainment News