MTN Bushfire 2024 unveils second batch of artists

The development follows the announcement of Nigerian singer and songwriter Nneka earlier this month as the festival’s headliner. MTN Bushfire is known for its multicultural appeal and eclectic mix of artists and genres.

The organisers say that the new batch of artists – starting with South Africa’s BCUC, Radio Sechaba, Lloyiso, Muzi, Luukhanyo & The Hii Rollers and Seba Kaapstad exemplify the festival’s “conscious celebration of diversity, spirit of social inclusion and atmosphere of tolerance.”

Others are Camilla George and Blue Lab Beats from the UK, Tanzanian singeli musicians Kadilida & Jay Mitta, and Malawian street duo Madalitso Band. Representing eSwatini are Sarnilo, Jazz P and Hanwah & Friends.

A multidisciplinary festival, MTN Bushfire has announced one of this year’s multimedia treats, titled The Native Practices of Mozambique. This audio-visual project Matchume Zango presents a renewed version of the songs, dances and rites of the traditional Bantu people of Mozambique. Matchume is well known in Southern Africa for his timbila and dance shows.

More cross-border and cross-genre artists on the line-up include Congo Cowboys, who blend the twangy sounds of American roots music with the rich rhythms of African traditional music.

In addition to these performances, MTN Bushfire attendees can look forward to a range of activities including cultural showcases, spoken word performances, family-friendly entertainment, and the ever-popular artisanal Barn Marketplace, Global Food Village and KidZone. 

Other previously announced artists include Thandiswa Mazwai, Musa Keys, Bongeziwe Mabandla, Makhadzi, Jeremy Loops, Filah Lah Lah, Madala Kunene, Guy Buttery, Maleh, Bholoja, and Stewart Sukuma & Banda Nkhuvu.

More artist announcements are expected in the coming weeks.