‘Bring Your Fire:’ MTN Bushfire Calls for Artists to Shape 20th Anniversary Lineup
The award-winning Eswatini festival, recognised by the BBC and CNN as a top African gathering, is seeking established and emerging talent for its 20th-anniversary edition. Applications are open for musical, visual, and performance artists across five stages, running until 27 November 2026.
MTN Bushfire has officially invited artists from Eswatini, across Africa, and around the world to apply for the opportunity to perform at the festival’s milestone 20th edition. The event will take place from 28–30 May 2027 at House On Fire in the scenic Malkerns Valley of Eswatini.
Established artists who model the festival’s eclectic, conscious, and unique programme identity are encouraged to submit their applications via the ARTISTS PAGE on the official MTN Bushfire website. The application window runs from 27 October to 27 November 2026.
More Than Entertainment: A Platform for Change
More than an entertainment event, MTN Bushfire is a multidisciplinary showcase defined by artists who use their talent, passion, and energy to illuminate the transformative power of the arts. Guiding this purpose-driven programme is the festival’s ‘Bring Your Fire’ call to action for positive social and environmental change.
Marking two decades of existence, MTN Bushfire remains deeply rooted in its legacy as a platform for creative freedom, inclusivity, and cultural diversity. As the festival celebrates its 20th anniversary, it looks not only to the legacy built over twenty years but also to the creative sparks that will shape its future. For artists, the milestone edition presents an opportunity to join a global community of “Fire Starters” united by a shared commitment to positive change.
A Multidisciplinary Stage for Global Talent
The festival’s programme spans five official stages: the Main Stage, House On Fire Amphitheatre, Firefly, Bring Your Fire Zone, and the family-friendly KidZone. The lineup features a thoughtfully curated mix of live music, DJ sets, dance, theatre, poetry, roving performances, visual arts, film, and more.
Consequently, this callout is open to artists across all musical styles, genres, and creative disciplines. Marking two decades of uniting over 23,000 people from more than 55 countries, the 20th edition will embrace distinctive voices and powerful expressions that entertain, inspire dialogue, and celebrate arts advocacy.
A Recognised Global Destination
MTN Bushfire continues to be one of Africa’s largest multicultural gatherings. Recognised by the BBC as a “Top African festival” and featured by CNN among its “7 African music festivals you really have to see,” the event is also the winner of the Most Responsible Event Award at the WTM African Responsible Tourism Awards. Each year, more than 23,000 festivalgoers from over 55 countries journey to the Malkerns Valley to celebrate the music and the art of Africa and beyond.
Twenty years. One valley. One fire. Bring yours.
For application updates and the latest festival announcements, follow @mtnbushfire on Facebook, Instagram and X, or visit the official MTN Bushfire website.
