The 19th edition of the MTN Bushfire Festival wrapped up at House On Fire in Malkerns on 31 May, drawing more than 23,000 attendees from over 55 countries for three days of music, art and cultural exchange.
The festival, staged from 29 to 31 May under the theme Juncture of Hum, once again positioned itself as a major contributor to Eswatini’s tourism economy and creative sector, while organisers look ahead to a 20th anniversary edition in 2027.
Figures released after the festival show Eswatini recorded 50,403 arrivals over the weekend, made up of 28,392 international visitors and 22,011 emaSwati living abroad. That marks an 11.5 percent increase on arrival numbers from 2025. The biggest contingents of visitors came from South Africa, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Tanzania, the United States, France, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and Germany. 
The festival’s reach extended well beyond Malkerns Valley. Accommodation occupancy rose across the country, with Mbabane recording 73 percent, Ezulwini 80.5 percent and Manzini 82.3 percent over the weekend. Air arrivals also increased, with 32 aircraft landing at King Mswati III International Airport between Thursday 28 May and Friday 29 May, up from 23 aircraft over the same period last year.
The Ministry of Home Affairs, in a statement, said the numbers point to the festival’s growing pull and the country’s readiness to host it.
“The slight rise in total arrivals, including those arriving by air, reflects the ongoing appeal of the festival and underscores Eswatini’s sustained efforts to facilitate a welcoming environment for all guests. The Immigration Department remains committed to ensuring smooth border crossings, efficient processing, and the safety and security of all attendees for a successful festival weekend.”
MTN Bushfire Festival Director Jiggs Thorne thanked attendees, the host community and sponsors for another successful edition.
“We are deeply grateful to all the Fire Starters that made their way to Eswatini during the festival weekend, the Lobamba Lomdzala community, and our lead sponsor MTN, whose unwavering support made this festival possible. To all our partners who contributed in ways big and small, thank you. This festival is a testament to what we can achieve together. Reflecting on this year’s edition, it is humbling to see the continued impact the festival has, not only in bringing people together through music and culture, but in driving real economic activity and showcasing Eswatini on a regional and international stage. We look forward to building on this momentum.”
A total of 378 artists performed across 96 acts from 20 countries over the three days. The festival’s economic impact stretches beyond ticket sales, with the 2025 edition having generated E121.2 million for Eswatini’s economy through income for local vendors, traders, hospitality operators and service providers.
The Food Passport initiative, which took festivalgoers through the Global Food Village, Golden Lounge, Soapstone, Express Eats, KidZone and the Nguni Food and Craft Lounge, encouraged visitors to spend across all trading zones on the grounds.
The festival’s Park n’ Ride shuttle service, running across Mbabane, Manzini, Ezulwini and Matsapha, was used by 1,858 attendees this year, up from 1,700 in 2025, cutting down on congestion and drink driving while generating income for local transport operators.
New additions this year included the Flying Fish Surprisingly Good Sets Secret Stage and the Golden Lounge Silent Disco, both aimed at deepening the festival experience for returning attendees.
The weekend produced a number of standout performances. Uncle Waffles returned home to headline the Main Stage on Friday in what felt like a national celebration. Zimbabwean mbira artist Hope Masike performed at the House on Fire Amphitheatre, while Spain’s Filas de Cassandra blended Galician oral tradition with electronic sound. Réunion Island’s Lindigo and Japan’s Anna Sato brought together Maloya rhythms and Shimauta tradition in one of the weekend’s most talked about sets.
Saturday saw a tribute to the late South African icon Busi Mhlongo performed by Xolisa Dlamini, Buhlebendalo and Zawadi Yamungu, which drew an emotional response from the crowd. Congolese band Jupiter & Okwess performed on Sunday afternoon, before kwaito artist Kabelo Mabalane closed out the festival.
Beyond the main stages, more than 90 additional acts performed across the House On Fire Amphitheatre, Corona Firefly Stage and Bring Your Fire Zone, covering genres including jazz, mbira, Afrofuturism, electronic music, acrobatics, poetry and communal drumming.
The festival’s advocacy space, the Bring Your Fire Zone, hosted 11 advocacy organisations and a mobile clinic, creating a platform for discussions on environmental sustainability, minority rights, healthcare access and HIV prevention. The annual Unity Parade drew around 200 participants.
The MTN Bushfire Arts Round Table, held with the Africa Rising Music Conference, brought together 22 international delegates, 24 panel speakers and more than 180 attendees to discuss the creative industry. The Vuts’Umlilo showcase ahead of the round table featured seven local artists.
Organisers have confirmed the 20th edition of MTN Bushfire will run from 28 to 30 May, 2027, marking two decades of the festival at House On Fire in Lobamba Lomdzala.
