.....Star studded line up
The first batch of artists for MTN Bushfire 2026 is out, and it’s already looking like a packed weekend.
Leading the lineup is Uncle Waffles, who finally makes her Bushfire debut. It’s a big one.
She’s gone from Amapiano sets in South Africa to global stages, including Coachella, and now she’s bringing that same energy back home.
For a lot of people, this will be one of the most anticipated sets of the weekend.
Meanwhile From Spain, Fillas de Cassandra are also on the bill. Their sound leans into tradition but doesn’t stay there it mixes in electronic elements and storytelling.
It’s different, and that’s exactly the kind of act Bushfire crowds usually connect with.
The vibes will go crazy with as Jupiter & Okwess bring a completely different feel.
The Congolese group is known for high-energy live performances, blending rock, funk and soul with their roots.
If you’ve seen clips of their shows, you already know this one won’t be calm.
There’s also a strong sense of nostalgia in this phase. Kabelo Mabalane, one of the voices behind TKZee, is set to perform.
For many, his set will be less about discovery and more about going back to music they grew up with.
From Mozambique, Radjha Ally joins the lineup with a sound that leans into rhythm and dance.
It’s the kind of set that doesn’t need much explaining you just show up and move.
Locally, Sibu Manzini is set to present something bigger than a standard DJ set.
He’s bringing 'The Sibu Manzini Project' which includes live musicians, vocalists and a choir.
Outside of music, Aldo Brincat adds a different layer to the lineup. His solo performance, MASC, focuses on physical theatre and storytelling.
It’s quieter, more reflective, and a reminder that Bushfire isn’t just about what’s happening on the main stage.
Worth noting, this is only Phase 1, but it already shows the range people can expectfrom dance and nostalgia to live bands and theatre.
There’s still more to come, but for now, the tone is set.
What MTN Bushfire 2026 is shaping up to be!
....A Phase 4 ticket tier has been introduced
MTN Bushfire 2026 is already taking shape, and if the early announcements are anything to go by, this year’s edition will stay true to what the festival has built its name on music, culture and a mix of voices from across the world.
The 19th edition of the festival will take place from May 29-31, 2026 at House On Fire in Malkerns.
As always, the event is expected to bring together a wide range of artists, not just from Africa, but from different parts of the world.
One of the first acts announced is London-based group Kokoroko.
The band blends jazz, afrobeat, soul and highlife, and has built a strong following through live performances and projects like their album Could We Be More.
Their inclusion in the lineup already gives a sense of the kind of sound and direction the festival is leaning towards this year.
Beyond the music, Bushfire continues to position itself as more than just a concert.
The festival programme includes five stages, with performances ranging from live music and DJ sets to theatre, dance, poetry, film and art installations.
It’s a full experience, not just something you attend for a few hours.
This year’s theme continues to centre around inclusivity and cultural exchange.
The lineup reflects that, with a mix of pan-African and international acts who use their work to speak on identity, community and social issues, alongside entertainment.
There are also signs that demand for the festival is growing even faster. More than 70% of tickets have already been sold since their release in October 2025.
A Phase 4 ticket tier has been introduced, which is a first for the event. In previous years, tickets have sold out at least two months before the festival, and organisers expect the same if not earlier for 2026.
As more artists are expected to be announced in phases, the current lineup already points to a weekend that will balance big names, new discoveries and different forms of performance.
For regular attendees, it’s familiar ground. For first-timers, it’s a chance to experience one of the region’s biggest cultural events at full scale.
MTN Bushfire Festival 2026 is heating up with a fresh wave of artist announcements that promise to make this year’s edition unforgettable.
The latest lineup blends powerhouse voices, infectious beats, and cross-border creativity, showcasing why Bushfire remains Southern Africa’s ultimate music and cultural experience.
Leading the charge is Eswatini’s own Velemseni, a commanding vocalist whose performances are legendary for their energy and emotion.
Her return to the Bushfire stage is set to deliver moments that will leave festivalgoers spellbound.
From South Africa, Young Stunna brings the unstoppable force of Amapiano, ready to get the crowd moving with his signature blend of melodic flow and dancefloor-ready energy.
His presence promises the kind of electrifying performances that define festival moments.
Adding an introspective twist is the collaboration Msaki & Jesse Clegg | Entropy, whose fusion of soulful songwriting and modern alternative pop offers a deep, emotive contrast to the festival’s high-octane grooves.
Their set is expected to be both intimate and unforgettable, balancing storytelling with musical craft.
Rounding out the latest additions is Fillas de Cassandra, the French-Mozambican collective known for their experimental sound that fuses African rhythms with global influences.
Their innovative approach guarantees a performance full of surprises and sonic adventure.
Together, these artists capture the essence of MTN Bushfire: vibrant, diverse, and unafraid to push creative boundaries.
With each new announcement, excitement builds, making it clear that the 2026 festival will deliver unforgettable music, culture, and energy to fans across the region.
KFC becomes lead partner for MTN Bushfire KidZone
When it comes to bringing people together, KFC Eswatini has always believed that the best moments are built on shared experiences, big smiles, and a whole lot of heart.
That belief is now taking centre stage as KFC Eswatini steps in as the official lead KidZone partner of MTN Bushfire, Africa’s iconic music and arts festival known for its celebration of creativity, community, and positive change.
This partnership places KFC Eswatini at the heart of the festival’s family-friendly experience through its support of the much-loved KidZone.
Guided by MTN Bushfire’s powerful call to action, #BringYourFire, the KidZone transforms the festival into a playful, safe, and imaginative space designed especially for young Fire Starters.
It ensures that children don’t just attend the festival they experience it in a way that is joyful, inspiring, and uniquely their own.
Worthnoting KFC Eswatini’s involvement extends beyond the main festival.
In line with its people-first and community-driven approach, the brand also contributed meals to the EU Bushfire Schools Festival, supporting learners and educators as they engage with creativity, culture, and social awareness through the arts.
This gesture reflects KFC Eswatini’s belief that food does more than satisfy hunger it creates moments of connection, learning, and shared purpose, especially when investing in the next generation.
For decades, KFC Eswatini has been part of everyday life in Eswatini, standing for togetherness, care, and community pride.
Its partnership with MTN Bushfire is a natural fit bringing together two brands rooted in family, inclusion, creativity, and showing up with heart.
While excitement builds toward the upcoming MTN Bushfire Festival at the scenic Malkerns Valley, KFC Eswatini is ready to bring the flavour, the fun, and the fire especially for the youngest festivalgoers.
For more information do contact:
Email: info@bush-fire.com
Tel: +268 2528 2040
Mon–Fri, 8:00am–4:30pm (CAT)
All images sourced from MTN Bushfire.