MTN Bushfire is calling on artists to apply for the opportunity to perform at the 19th edition of the festival to be held from May 29-31, 2026 at House On Fire in Malkerns.
The authentically African, globally infused and proudly Swati festival is also inviting artists to apply for the chance to be part of the 4th edition of the Bushfire Records’ annual music collaboration project, CollaboNation.
‘Uniting Africa through Music’, CollaboNation is a dynamic expression of MTN Bushfire’s arts development focus, connecting cross-border and cross-genre artists for the creation of unique, uplifting songs.
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In addition to a behind-the-scenes creative content production, the CollaboNation journey also culminates in the artists performing at the MTN Bushfire festival,” said festival director Jigg’s Thorne.
True to the festival’s multidisciplinary programme curation, Thorne said the MTN Bushfire artist call-out invites talented artists across a wide spectrum of artistic disciplines, including live music, dance, theatre, spoken word, comedy, puppetry, film, art exhibitions, storytelling, and roving performances.
He stated that artists could apply for a chance to showcase their art on one of MTN Bushfire’s five official stages, each offering a unique platform for multidisciplinary expression: the iconic main stage, the immersive House On Fire Amphitheatre, the high-energy Firefly Stage, the Bring Your Fire Zone – home to the festival’s arts advocacy programme – and the family-friendly KidZone.
“As an authentically African event with global appeal, MTN Bushfire’s line-up stands out every year for its eclectic style and inclusivity, which underpin the festival’s wholesome blend of emerging and established artists alike.”
He added that guided by MTN Bushfire’s ‘Bring Your Fire’ call to action for positive social and environmental change, MTN Bushfire looks for artists of the highest calibre who embody the festival’s mission to celebrate unity in diversity, promote creative expression and champion social responsibility.
“The festival welcomes artists who do more than simply entertain but use their art as an instrument for meaningful arts advocacy,” said Thorne.
He stated that applicants for MTN Bushfire and CollaboNation would be required to complete an application form available on the artists page of the MTN Bushfire website www.bush-fire.com. Artist applications close on November, 7.
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