MALKERNS – MTN Eswatini has committed E5 million towards the 2026 edition of MTN Bushfire, reaffirming its long standing partnership with one of Africa’s leading sustainable festivals.
The funding announcement was made during the official launch of MTN Bushfire 2026 at House on Fire, where organisers, government representatives, development partners and artists gathered to unveil plans for the 19th edition of the festival, scheduled for 29 to 31 May 2026.
Organisers described the partnership as one built on more than connectivity, linking it to this year’s theme, Juncture of Hum. Connection, they said, sits at the heart of the Bushfire experience, bringing together thousands of Fire Starters from different walks of life.
MTN’s contribution includes discounted MoMo ticket sales aimed at keeping the festival accessible to locals, as well as tailored products and services designed for the multicultural audience the event attracts annually.
The launch programme featured live performances, including eSwatini born singer songwriter iYA Music, who took to the stage with Ndumiso Dlamini on the keys. Her soulful set marked the official ignition of the 2026 campaign.
The festival also introduced the MTN Bushfire Firefly 2026 Top 10. Cool Drop, Leelo G, Emagagu, Sweli, JD, Morewish, AS4JerryP, Hillary Mirindi, MCO Jamrock and Kyro will compete at the Firefly Grand Finale on Friday, 24 April at House on Fire for a place on the main festival stage.
They will be joined by South Africa’s BLXCKIE, local Afrobeats artist Chantel and Hip Hop Deck maestro Bandora.
Beyond the performance slot, the Top 3 finalists will receive mobile phones, professional recording time, studio sessions, a music video and a full university scholarship from Limkokwing University of Creative Technology.
MTN Bushfire also confirmed boMake Rural Projects as a beneficiary for the 2026 edition. The organisation supports women empowerment, environmental sustainability and community development in rural Eswatini. Merchandise sales during the festival will directly contribute to its initiatives.
His Excellency EU Ambassador Karsten Mecklenburg attended the launch, reflecting the continued partnership through the EU Bushfire Schools Festival, which extends arts programming to young people across the country.
Proceedings were led by MCs Phiwokuhle Mandisa Dlamini and Anakhonza Kunene as organisers unveiled the roadmap to Bring Your Fire and shared updates ahead of the May festival dates.
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