“One of the top nine international festivals to visit this summer” – MTV IGGY/ The
Future of Music
Backlit by fiery mountain sunsets across acres of pristine farmland, Swaziland’s
internationally acclaimed three day MTN BUSHFIRE music & arts festival celebrates
creative expression whilst promoting social responsibility, stimulating the economy,
and drawing talent and tourists from across Africa and around the world.
MTN BUSHFIRE calls on the community to “Bring their Fire” to the Festival and into
their daily lives, igniting a collective response for positive change. ‘Bring your fire’
celebrates the human spirit, the light in all of us, to become more conscious and
active participants in creating awareness for a better world. Donating 100% of its
profits
to
orphans
through
the
Swazi
NGO
Young
Heroes
(www.youngheroes.org.sz), and 100% of merchandise proceeds to the non-profit
rural
community
development
project
Gone
Rural
BoMake
(www.goneruralbomake.org), MTN BUSHFIRE serves, in the words of one journalist,
“as a living, breathing, creative ecosystem.”
The Festival has a number of independent interactive spaces where people can
explore and engage their creativity:
The Ekhaya Stage, meaning “at home” in siSwati, takes on the “100% Seriously
Swazi” mantra, dedicating itself to exposing the distinctive character of Swazi talent
to a large audience while exposing them to an international standard of performance
delivery.
The Barn provides an interactive art and dialogue space devoted to the power of art,
not just to entertain, but to provoke, enlighten, and activate free exchange of ideas
through performance art, exhibitions, speakers, and round table discussions.
The MTN BUSHFIRE Handcraft Market features unique, high quality handcrafted
products from members and artisans of Swaziland Fair Trade (SWIFT), a member
based NGO providing training, market access and advocacy to support Fair Trade
businesses and producers within Swaziland.
A true ‘cultural melting pot’, the Global Food Village celebrates a wide variety of
cultures through the art of food. From traditional Swazi delights to an array of
European and Asian offerings, there is something for everyone.
MTN BUSHFIRE also “brings its fire” to enable skill-sharing and the growth of the
arts industry within Swaziland and the region throughout the year:
The MTN BUSHFIRE Schools Festival counters the lack of a formal arts and
culture curriculum in public schools by presenting activities, workshops, educational
seminars and interactive competitions for participants from high schools throughout
Swaziland and provides teachers and students with tools to bring continuity and
sustainability to the matter in their schools.
The Arts Round Table facilitates workshops for emerging artists and managers to
increase knowledge and skills, enabling individuals and organisations to succeed as
professionals in the entertainment field.
Pioneered by MTN BUSHFIRE, the Firefest Route is an African music festival
network that seeks to encourage and promote regional cultural exchange,
collaboration and knowledge sharing among member festivals, while creating new
tourism, media, and branding opportunities.
Supported by the Danish Centre for Culture and Development (DCCD), the Firefest
Route includes the Harare International Festival of Arts, (HIFA) Zimbabwe, AZGO,
Mozambique, BLACKMAJOR, South Africa, MTN BUSHFIRE, Swaziland, and
SAKIFO MUSIK, Reunion Island.
It is this distinctive fusion of inspired multi-dimensional creativity, demographically
diverse audience, socially-accountable philosophy, and magical setting that draws
up to 20,000 to experience Bushfire’s harmonious energy that sets it apart from all
other festivals.
CONTACTS
Website: www.bush-fire.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MTNBUSHFIRE
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HwriYrJWEhg
Email: [email protected]
Tel: +268 2528 2040