The Sibu Manzini Project is set to be one of the major highlights of the MTN Bushfire Festival 2026 line-up, featuring the award-winning Vulamasango Choir alongside celebrated local acts.
Set to take place from May 29 to 31 at House On Fire, the performance is described as a bold musical offering from award-winning DJ, singer-songwriter and producer Sibu Manzini, aimed at reshaping regional dance music by blending electronic Afro house with traditional sounds and live vocals.
The project was described by Manzini as more than a DJ set. He said it was planned as a live, emotional and cultural performance that would mix electronic music with African textures and choral elements.
The project will also feature local acts including Velemseni, Zinia, Ziyawa Kazitha, Khole, Sarnilo, Section Five, Celumusa Mkhaliphi, Sanele Simelane, Sihlangu Sibz and Bheki Nhleko.
The aim is to create a sound that moves between modern dance energy and deeper storytelling rooted in the country’s identity.
Sibu Manzini explained the vision behind the project, stating that the response from last year’s Standard Bank Luju Festival audiences had already shaped its direction, after he performed a collaborative set titled ‘Spiritual Awakening’ featuring Velemseni, Zinia, Qibho Intalektual and more.
“Last year’s Luju set felt bigger than a performance. It felt like a real arrival moment for me. The energy, the crowd, the timing, everything connected properly. I think people could feel that it came from a genuine place, not just entertainment,” he said.
He stated that the upcoming project had been built on artistic honesty rather than popularity.
“I chose people whose art feels honest. Every collaborator brings something different emotionally and musically. I was not looking for popularity, I was looking for presence,” Sibu said.
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A key feature of the performance will be the inclusion of the award-winning school ensemble Vulamasango Choir, known for its strong choral tradition and competitive success.
The choir is expected to bring depth and vocal power to the stage, merging classical Swati choral sound with contemporary electronic production.
Vulamasango Choir conductor Jockonias Mandlazi described the preparation process as intensive and focused.
“The journey has been one of discipline, passion and community support. From the early days, Vulamasango invested in nurturing young voices through consistent training, mentorship from experienced conductors and exposure to competitive platforms,” he said.
Mandlazi also spoke about the demands of preparing for a large festival stage.
“Preparation has focused on both musical and performance readiness. The choir is rehearsing intensively to ensure precision in harmonies and confidence in stage presence,” he said.
“The school has also emphasised resilience and adaptability, preparing the learners to perform alongside professional artists in front of a diverse, international audience.”
The collaboration is expected to blend live choir harmonies with electronic beats and contemporary African sounds.
Mandlazi explained that the fusion would maintain the choir’s identity while exploring new musical space.
“Audiences can expect a vibrant fusion of tradition and innovation. The choir has worked carefully to maintain the integrity of its harmonies while experimenting with syncopation, call-and-response and dynamic staging,” he said.
Sibu Manzini said the inclusion of Vulamasango Choir added emotional weight to the performance.
“A choir adds weight and feeling you can’t fake.
Vulamasango brings depth, power and a sense of home to the performance. Sometimes voices together can say more than instruments can,” he said.
The Sibu Manzini project is positioned as a storytelling performance that focuses on identity, collaboration and cultural expression.
Organisers of the MTN Bushfire Festival described it as part of a broader movement pushing African music into new experimental spaces while remaining grounded in local tradition.
Sibu Manzini said the long-term goal went beyond the festival stage.
“After this, the focus was on growing the project properly, more music, more collaborations and taking the vision further outside the country. I’m building something long-term, not chasing moments,” he said.
