10 artists added to 2019 MTN Bushfire lineup

This uniquely African, and yet globally-infused festival experience welcomes thousands in an atmosphere of tolerance and passionate commitment to music, the arts and the environment. Every year, over 26,000 attendees hailing from 60 different countries make the journey from near and far to the peaceful Malkerns Valley of eSwatini for an energising and uplifting weekend that celebrates the music and arts of Africa and beyond.

MTN Bushfire 2019 early bird ticket registration is now open

28 Aug 2018

Winner of the African Responsible Tourism Awards Most Sustainable Event Award in 2017, MTN Bushfire was also hailed in 2016 by CNN as one of the “Seven African music festivals you really have to see” and listed by BBC as a “Top African Festival.”

Ahead of the 2019 edition, MTN Bushfire is excited to announce some of the initial acts that will grace the various stages, including the Main Stage, House on Fire Amphitheatre, and The Barn. These amazing acts from across the globe reflect the ethos of inclusion, diversity and cultural celebration. The acts will also tour across the southern African region as part of the Igoda Southern African Music Festival Circuit.

Below is the initial list of artists confirmed for next year’s event with many more acts to follow.

Meute - Germany

When the bass drops and the confetti blows up: Meute breaks the code. The techno marching band combines hypnotic driving techno and expressive brass band music, freeing electronic music from the DJ desk and overhauling the image of marching bands. Just drums and brass, no computers involved, this is all they need to revolutionize techno music and bring it back to its roots at the same time.

Sands - eSwatini

Guitarist, songwriter, performing artist and singer Sands has been celebrated from all corners of eSwatini long before his song Tigi Tigi propelled him into the Southern African music scene. Sands' journey as an artist began in high school when his brother-in-law bought him a guitar and taught him a few chords.

Oliver Mtukudzi - Zimbabwe

Oliver ‘Tuku’ Mtukudzi is a Zimbabwean musician, businessman, philanthropist, human rights activist, and Unicef goodwill ambassador for Southern Africa region. Tuku is considered Zimbabwe's most renowned and internationally recognised cultural icon of all time. With his husky voice, he has become the most revered voice to emerge from Zimbabwe and onto the international scene and he has earned a devoted following across Africa and beyond.

Mandla Mlangeni – South Africa

Trumpeter, composer, bandleader of the Tune Recreation Committee and Amandla Freedom Ensemble, Mandla Mlangeni is the bandleader of the Tune Recreation Committee.  Their debut album, Voices Of Our Vision, was New York Time's Best Albums of 2017 and a Sama nominee for Best Jazz Album.

Maia and The Big Sky - Kenya

Maia represents a different flavour to Kenya's contemporary musical landscape. Her magnetic vocals, both in Kiswahili and English, weave together African polyrhythms with soul and folk, creating a familiarity and warmth that transcends continents. Daughter of Kenyan musical legend Sal Davis, Maia has earned herself a formidable reputation as one of Kenya's most explosive live performers.

Eme and Moonchild – Nigeria and South Africa

Moonchild Sanelly grew up in Port Elizabeth in South Africa's Eastern Cape province. Her love for music became evident when Sanelly found love in front of the camera. Her love for jazz, hip-hop, and kwaito were all influenced by her social experiences in the Durban music scene. She has performed alongside artists such as Gcina Hlope, Busi Mhlongo, and Madala Kunene. She has also collaborated with the likes of DJ Maramza, BLK JKS, and Thandiswa Mazwai. She left a lasting impression when she performed at the Sound Festival in Primavera, Barcelona.

Dobet Gnahore – Cote d’Ivoire

Dobet Gnahoré is a singer from Côte d'Ivoire. The daughter of percussionist Boni Gnahoré, she plays with the group Na Afriki, consisting mainly of French and Tunisian musicians, who accompany her with the guitar, sanza, the balafon, the calebasse, and bongos. Due to the civil war, she moved to France in 1999. In 2004, Gnahoré released her debut album Ano Neko. In 2006, she was a nominee at the World Music Awards for Newcomer and shared an award for Best Urban/Alternative Performance with India.Arie at the 52nd Grammy Awards.

GranMah – Mozambique

GranMah is a dub/reggae fusion band from Mozambique that started in a garage in 2009. They recorded an LP and have been featured on various TV and radio shows. In 2012, they won a public contest to open the Mozambique Music Awards gala with their first single, Starlight Stardust.

Lindigo – Reunion Island

Lindigo is a music group from Reunion Island. The Maloya group founded in 1999 and is led by Olivier Araste, the singer who hails from Paniandy. The band has released four albums, the latest, Maloya Power, in 2012.

With an average age of 30, Lindigo's members are stubbornly watching the past. However, their approach does not lock in nostalgia, nor in the shackles of a sterile memory. Foundations serve momentum and roots build the future.

Alibombo -  Colombia

Alibombo, besides being a percussion group, is an experimentation laboratory. With a noise that creates music from recycled elements, its influences pass through rhythms of the Caribbean and the Colombian Pacific, merged with drum and bass.

For ticketing queries, please email az.oc.stekcitun@1stekcit or call +268 2528 2040.
For further information about MTN Bushfire, please visit www.bush-fire.com.