By Khetsiwe Khumalo | 2025-04-07

THE country’s artistry was represented in the MTN Bushfire Festival’s first artist line-up.
Revealed on Friday evening during the MTN Bushfire Festival 2025 launch, held at House on Fire, there were five artists whose names and music videos were showcased on the big screens alongside many other international artists.

This was appreciated by the guests, as they cheered and screamed at hearing their names being mentioned.
South Africa-based singer and songwriter Zee Nxumalo was counted among the locals due to her Siswati roots. She is set to perform at the MTN Bushfire Firefly grand finale on April 24 and proceed to grace the MTN Bushfire Festival stage between May 30-June 1.

One of the local acts is Intsatsakusa a collaborative music and dance group by Bheki Nhleko, Sanele Simelane and Umthilane kaShoba, a family dedicated to reviving the sacred Umthilane art form. Award-wining artist Young Zesh is also among the local creative to perform this year. He will be joined by another award-winning hiphop artist Lyrikal Busta.

Lyrikal Busta said it felt inspiring to be announced among the few artists to perform at for the MTN Bushfire Festival 2025.
“It has always been a dream. Now I can safely say dreams do come true.”
He added that this meant a lot for his brand as it verified his growth and aligned with his dream of taking Eswatini music to the world.

“The MTN Bushfire Festival is globally recognised, thus giving us a chance to shine and perform among the best of the best artist sfrom around the world. I am looking forward to showcasing our culture sound, language and heritage through an electrifying performance. we are indeed bringing all our fire to that stage,” he said.

Afro-soul singer and songwriter Khole will showcase her music influenced by jazz and neo soul, as well as traditional and contemporary African music. The singer who defines her African identity through deeply personal themes, exploring mental health, abuse and inequality unflinchingly, ultimately finding happiness through love and self-determination, said she was very excited and grateful to be on the line-up.

“It means so much to me and I have so much to prove to the world on that stage. Together with the band I have collaborated with called the Barbiturates. I will showcase my new sound and new brand as an independent artist,” she said.
Having debuted on the MTN Bushfire Festival stage with her previous label years ago, Khole said she was excited to do it again, bigger and better this time around. The first artist drop revealed an exciting line-up from all around the world.

Some of the other artists revealed were 340ml (Mozambique), ABAO (Taiwan), Aymos (South Africa), Boom Shaka (South Africa), Feli Nandi (Zimbabwe), Grupo Mavichi (Colombia), iNkabi Zezwe (South Africa), Internet Girl (South Africa), iPhupho L’ka Biko (South Africa), Ladysmith Black Mambazo (South Africa), Steam Down (United Kingdom), The Dizzy Brains (Madagascar) and many more.

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