MALKERNS – Taiwanese neo-soul artist ABAO and her all-female youth group, the Nanguaq Girls, have officially touched down in the Kingdom of Eswatini ahead of their historic performances at this weekend’s MTN Bushfire Festival.
Their arrival marks the first time a Taiwanese act will perform at a major African cultural event. ABAO, known for blending Paiwan indigenous folk sounds with soul, hip-hop and R&B, is scheduled to take the main stage on Saturday, May 31, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
She will be accompanied by Kivi, Dremedreman, and Makav—the trio making up the Nanguaq Girls—who will perform at the Bring Your Fire Zone on Sunday, June 1, from 1:30 p.m. to 2:15 p.m.
The group was welcomed at a press briefing attended by Eswatini Tourism Authority (ETA) CEO Vusie Dlamini, MTN Bushfire Festival Director Jiggs Thorne, 2nd Secretary to the Taiwan Embassy Sofia Jeng, and other stakeholders. The media event was held to introduce the artists and celebrate the growing cultural ties between Eswatini and Taiwan.
ABAO’s inclusion in the 2025 Bushfire lineup stems from a direct collaboration between the Taiwan Embassy and festival organisers, who requested artists that reflect the island’s cultural heritage. The tour is being supported by Taiwan’s Ministry of Culture and partner organisations in both countries.
Taiwan’s Ambassador to Eswatini, Jeremy Liang, has called the visit a milestone in bilateral relations, which until now have primarily focused on health, agriculture and economic development.
The MTN Bushfire Festival, held at House on Fire in Malkerns, is one of Africa’s leading multicultural gatherings, drawing artists and audiences from around the globe. This year’s edition features a diverse lineup, including South African legends Madala Kunene and Sibusile Xaba, alongside the Jägermeister Brass Cartel and local talent Digital Sangoma.
ETA described the weekend’s event as an opportunity for festivalgoers to “feel the fire of indigenous pride, sisterhood and sonic beauty.”
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