Class acts Ayo, Saul Williams, Nancy G and Flavia Coelho will join the spectacular line-up of international artists at this year’s MTN Bushfire, taking place from 25 to 27 May 2012 in Swaziland’s picturesque Malkerns Valley.
Armed with new blue-chip title sponsor, MTN Bushfire’s vision of creating a socially responsible, sustainable arts festival for the 21st century has been given a significant boost.
“Bushfire presents us with a platform through which we can support our corporate social responsibility efforts through the MTN Foundation, which seeks to develop the arts and culture of Swaziland,” says Ambrose Dlamini, CEO of MTN Swaziland.
Headlining the sizzling world music showcase is soulful Romanian-Nigerian singer-songwriter Ayo. Joining her is US-based performance poet Saul Williams, described as “a leading voice on the spoken-word scene”, and his backing band. Lovers of fusion can catch reggae-meets-bossa nova sensation Flavia Coelho from Brazil.
MTN Bushfire will also feature the spectacular Burundi Drummers, plus sublime Swazi songstress Nancy G and “Swazi soul” pioneer Bholoja.
Among the South African acts that will be steaming up the festival’s stages are MXO, Jeremy Loops, Tonik, Mi Casa, DJ duo Revolution, and jazz maestro Adam Glasser’s Mzansi project, featuring vocalist Pinise Saul and guitarist Bheki Khoza.
A potent Pan-African explosion of live music, theatre, poetry, film, circus acts, dance and visual arts from all over the globe, MTN Bushfire 2012 promises more fire than ever before at the magical House on Fire venue, which is set against a breathtaking rural landscape.
Arts with a heart
Since its inception in 2007, MTN Bushfire has become a significant player in boosting and developing Swaziland’s arts and culture scene. In addition to providing employment and generating much-needed revenue for the national economy, through the 16 000 to 20 000 revellers the event routinely attracts, the festival raises awareness and funds for some of the country’s most pressing social needs.
In 2011, MTN Bushfire once again donated all of its profits to the Young Heroes organisation, which provides support for local orphans, and launched the 100% Seriously Swazi showcase for Swazi artists. More than 430 local artists participated in last year’s festival, with over 300 children from schools and youth groups taking part in the inaugural Bushfire Schools’ Festival.
Creative fireworks
A culturally diverse melting pot of musicians and artists from across the continent and beyond will converge on the majestic House on Fire performance site at the end of May – coinciding with Africa Day – to lay out a feast of incredible family friendly entertainment.
Visitors can browse for quality home-made goods at the Hand Craft Market, an alternative shopping and relaxation area where the emphasis is on local business development and fair trade principles.
At the Food Fair, they can sample a smorgasbord of local and international culinary delights from a variety of cultures, including traditional Swazi delicacies, and keep the little ones entertained at the KidZone.
In the spirit of using art not just to entertain but to provoke, enlighten and activate, the organisers are introducing a new space at MTN Bushfire called The Barn. This is a converted shed space on the farm that is devoted to stimulating dialogue around topical issues by playing host to some of Swaziland’s most fascinating thinkers and speakers. The space will also be shared by live performances and exhibitions.