Starting today, the scenic Malkerns Valley becomes more than just a destination, it turns into the beating heart of culture, colour and global rhythm. MTN Bushfire Festival is back and it’s set to light up Eswatini like never before.
However the fire is not only burning at House On Fire. While thousands will be camping, dancing and soaking up global vibes at the festival, there is a whole other blaze happening across the country. From local shisanyamas to club lounges and countryside stages, this weekend Eswatini is fully ablaze with music and magic.
Makhadzi, the queen of Limpopo herself, is already on her way, armed with her electric energy and killer footwork. DJ Maphorisa, the man who never sleeps, is bringing his amapiano artillery. Add to that South African Afro-soul singer Mduduzi Ncube will turn up Nhlangano and Pigg’s Peak. Eswatini will have a constellation of South African stars lighting up our skies.
This is no ordinary weekend. It is a multi-city, multi-stage, multi-vibe experience. Whether you are front row at Bushfire or vibing with your crew in Nhlangano, one thing is certain Eswatini is the dream destination this weekend.
MTN BUSHFIRE 2025: A PLAYGROUND OF CULTURE
Held at the iconic House On Fire, this year’s edition bursts with the theme “Creativity. Unity. Sustainability.” It’s not just about music it’s a full-blown cultural movement.
The festival will stretch across six incredible stages, each with a unique identity:
Main Stage
Legendary is an understatement for Ladysmith Black Mambazo, the five-time Grammy-winning group bringing their heavenly harmonies to our hills. Mozambique’s fusion kings 340ml are also making their return, and Taiwan’s ABAO will take us on a sonic trip with her blend of indigenous Paiwan folk, R&B and electronic vibes.
Amphitheatre Stage
This intimate stage is a spiritual experience. It will host the debut performance of the 2025 CollaboNation song, created by South Africa’s Madala Kunene and Sibusile Xaba, alongside Eswatini’s very own Tlale Makhene. Expect roots, rhythm and reflection.
Corona Firefly Stage
A crowd favourite. The dance floor will stay packed with sets from Kenya’s bold and experimental Coco Em, Zimbabwe’s rising DJ queen Charisse C and South Africa’s kings of cool – Oscar Mbo and DJ Lag. Come with stamina.
MeisterHaus Stage
If you are a lover of deep house, techno and all things electronic, this is your after-hours playground. A sleek, stylish zone where the beats do not sleep.
UN Bring Your Fire Zone
For those who want more than music, this zone sparks meaningful conversations about sustainability and social change. Think workshops, art, activism and lots of interaction.
KidZone Stage
With the theme “Planet Africa,” this area focuses on eco-conscious fun, storytelling and creative play for kids and families.
Afterwork Chillout Vibes
Where: Mdzimba View Shisanyama
Time: 6pm till late
The ultimate warm-up party featuring a fire line-up led by Makhadzi. She will be joined by Touch of Soul, Obsession and Lady Zee. This show promises dancing, fire grills and those feel-good township vibes.
Tickets: E200 (General), E350 (VIP)
DJ Tibza & DJ Czar at Yoruba Lounge
Where: The George Hotel, Manzini
Time: 6pm till late
Classy, cosy and full of groove. DJs Tibza and Czar will guide you through the night with urban beats, heaters on standby and cocktails on tap.
SATURDAY
Sbu De Drum DJ One Man Show
Where: The Xchange Lounge and Shisanyama, Manzini
Time: 2pm till late
Sbu De Drum DJ is taking things up a notch with his first ever one-man show and he is not doing it alone. The award-winning DJ has just revealed that South African heavyweights DJ Maphorisa, Uncool MC and Masterpiece YVK will be joining him on stage for what is shaping up to be one of the biggest shows of the year.
Fans can expect an explosive mix of amapiano, house and more, delivered by some of the most in-demand names in the South African music scene. “Join us for the Sbu De Drum DJ One Man Show. We’re taking it to the next level! You don’t want to miss this historical event. Stay tuned and get those dance shoes ready!” Sbu said, building hype ahead of the big day.
Tickets are available at Galito’s nationwide.
FRIDAY & SATURDAY
Mduduzi Ncube Live in Eswatini
May 30: T-Junction, Nhlangano
May 31: Zhumaio Lounge, Pigg’s Peak
The chart-topping voice behind ‘Isiginci’ is back in Eswatini. With support from local gems The Prefect and Chomzin Eswatini, Mduduzi will serenade the south and north in back-to-back soulful nights. Expect tears, love confessions and an entire crowd singing word for word.
TO LOOK OUT FOR!
The Gods Are Not to Blame
Where: Eswatini Theatre Club
When: June 5–6
Nothando Hlophe Live Recording
Where: Mavuso Trade Centre
When: June 7
MoMo Xperience
Where: Malkerns Country Club
When: June 28
Shekinah Motsa Live in Eswatini
Where: TBA
When: July 22
Eswatini’s Biggest Braai
Where: TBA
When: July 26
Standard Bank Luju Food & Lifestyle Festival
Where: House On Fire
When: August 1–2
