MTN Bushfire 2026 attracts 23 000 festivalgoers from 55 countries

The festival, hosted at House On Fire in Malkerns, featured a programme of music, arts, advocacy and cultural activities. Organisers said the event brought together 378 artists across 96 acts from 20 countries.

According to figures released after the festival, eSwatini recorded 50,403 arrivals during the festival weekend, including 28,392 international visitors and 22,011 EmaSwati living abroad. The total represented an 11.5% increase compared to arrival figures recorded during the same period in 2025.

Visitors travelled from several countries, with the largest numbers arriving from South Africa, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Tanzania, the United States, France, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and Germany.

Accommodation establishments also reported increased occupancy levels during the festival period, with occupancy reaching 73% in Mbabane, 80.5% in Ezulwini and 82.3% in Manzini. Air traffic increased during the festival weekend, with 32 aircraft arriving at King Mswati III International Airport between 28 and 29 May, compared to 23 aircraft during the corresponding period in 2025.

In a statement, eSwatini’s Ministry of Home Affairs said the figures reflected the event's continued appeal.

“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.”

Festival director Jiggs Thorne said the event continued to contribute to tourism and economic activity in the country.

“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,” Thorne said.

“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.”

Organisers said the festival's economic impact extends beyond ticket sales through spending on accommodation, transport, hospitality, retail and creative industries. The 2025 edition generated E121.2 million for eSwatini’s economy, according to previously released figures.

Several initiatives aimed at supporting local businesses and service providers continued during the 2026 event. These included the Food Passport programme, which encouraged visitors to explore different trading areas across the festival site, and the Park n’ Ride shuttle service, operated by local transport providers.

A total of 1 858 festivalgoers used the shuttle service this year, compared to 1 700 in 2025.

The festival programme featured performances from artists representing a range of musical traditions and genres. Among the headline acts were Uncle Waffles, whose performance marked a return to her home country, and Hope Masike, who presented a set centred on Zimbabwean mbira music.

Other notable performances included a collaboration between Lindigo and Anna Sato, a tribute to the late Busi Mhlongo featuring Xolisa Dlamini, Buhlebendalo and Zawadi Yamungu, and a performance by Congolese group Jupiter & Okwess. South African kwaito artist Kabelo Mabalane closed the festival’s final evening.

Beyond music, the festival hosted advocacy and community engagement activities through the Bring Your Fire Zone, which featured 11 organisations and a mobile health clinic. Discussions focused on environmental sustainability, healthcare access, HIV prevention and minority rights.

The annual Unity Parade attracted approximately 200 participants, while the MTN Bushfire Arts Round Table, organised in partnership with the Africa Rising Music Conference, brought together 22 international delegates, 24 speakers and more than 180 attendees for discussions on developments within the creative industries.

The festival also hosted the Vuts’Umlilo showcase, highlighting emerging talent from eSwatini.

The next edition of MTN Bushfire is scheduled to take place from 28 to 30 May 2027 and will mark the festival's 20th anniversary.