eSwatini: Bushfire’s CollaboNation shares new track

The initiative, supported by MTN and produced by Bushfire Records, brings together artists from across the continent to create original cross-genre and cross-cultural music. The 2025 release, whose title means “mountain horizon” in Siswati, is available on all major streaming platforms.

A documentary on the making of the track will be released on 14 August, featuring footage from the recording sessions in eSwatini and at the MTN Bushfire festival venue, House on Fire. Short video reels capturing the artists’ creative process have already been shared on CollaboNation’s social media platforms.

CollaboNation forms part of MTN Bushfire’s arts development programme, which promotes cultural exchange while encouraging positive social and environmental action through its Bring Your Fire campaign. Each year, the project pairs musicians from different countries to explore Africa’s musical diversity and strengthen links between creative industries.

‘Elukhalweni’ was composed during the artists’ first meeting in eSwatini and produced by Swati musician and sound engineer ZiyawakaZitha. The track blends elements of Southern Africa’s musical heritage, featuring Kunene’s guitar work, Xaba’s distinctive playing style, and Makhene’s percussion.

Kunene is known as the “King of Zulu Guitar”, Xaba is recognised as a cultural activist and guitar innovator, while Makhene is widely referred to as “The Groove Master”.

Further details about the CollaboNation project are available on the MTN Bushfire website.