Star-studded line-up for Bushfire fest in Swaziland

Popular acts featured recently added to the highly anticipated line-up include Swiss pop artists Kadebostany, Poni Hoax from France, Jjoby from Madagascar and Swaziland’s own Tlale Makhene. MTN Bushfire is also thrilled to welcome back to the main stage South African acts The Soil, Freshlyground and international rock stars The Parlotones. Other top South African acts to feature for the first time this year include Bongeziwe Mabandla and BCUC.

These newly-announced artists will take their place alongside Grammy-winning Bushfire headliners, Les Nubians. Other artists also previously announced include top South African acts Shortstraw, Australia’s Black Jesus Experience and Mozambique’s Banda Kakana, among many others. The main stage line-up for MTN Bushfire 2015 reflects a truly global and diverse range of musical genres - hailing from as far afield as Australia, Turkey and Austria - complementing the many artists performing from African countries closer to home.

One of the many highlights on the line-up is local percussionist Tlale Makhene. The Swazi groove master is recognised as Swaziland’s leading percussionist/composer. His prolific career has included producing and performing on over 300 jazz and world music album collaborations. Makhene will be joined on stage with acclaimed musicians Helder Gonzaga (Mozambique), Erik Paliani (Malawi), Bernice Boikanyo (SA) and Thando Matsebula (SA). This regional music collaboration is sponsored by Pro Helvetia.

Other artists on the bill include: 123 (Turkey), Amandla Freedom Ensemble (South Africa), Banda Kakana (Mozambique), Bashayi Bengoma Ensemble (Swaziland), BCUC (South Africa), Black Jesus Experience (Australia), Bongeziwe Mabandla (South Africa), Culoe de Song (South Africa), Freshlyground (South Africa), Haja Madagascar & the Groovy People (Madagascar/Congo/Mozambique/Swaziland), Jaojoby (Madagascar), Joana Serrat (Spain), Kadebostany (Switzerland), Les Nubians (France), Nomsa M (Swaziland), The Parlotones (South Africa), Poni Hoax (France), Ras Reggie & Ras Ritchie Project (Swaziland), Shortstraw (South Africa), Sweet Sweet Moon (Austria), Tonik and friends (South Africa/Swaziland), Transito (Mozambique/USA/France), True Vibenation (Zim/Australia), The Soil (South Africa) and the Safeguard Young People Project (South Africa). DJs on the bill include local Swazi talent DJ Zoe, DJ Cream, DJ Mseto, DJ Mkay, DJ Peace and DJ Mixmash, while from across the border DJ Danger Ingozi, DJ InviZable and DJ Okapi will be doing their thing.

The three full days of live musical perormances are complimented by a range of cultural and family-oriented activities which include The Barn, an interactive art, dialogue and performance space, the Global Food Village, the Handcraft and Design Marketplace and the Kidzone, hosting a dedicated programme for families

Early bird tickets are available until 31 March from the MTN Bushfire website (www.bush-fire.com). From 1 April physical tickets will be available from the MTN Bushfire website and outlets in Maputo, Johannesburg and Swaziland: in Johannesburg at the Lucky Bean restaurant in Melville; in Maputo at Bairro Bistro; and in Swaziland at the All Out Africa Internet Café, MTN service centres in Riverstone Mall and Corporate Place, as well as Shak’s Gables, Rob’s Matsapha and E-Top Up in Bhunu Mall.

For more information and to purchase tickets, go to www.bush-fire.com  or www.facebook.com/MTNBushfire.