2024 MTN BUSHFIRE FESTIVAL SETS ATMOSPHERE ABLAZE

MALKERNS – As the sun rose over the Kingdom of Eswatini, the anticipation for the first day of the MTN Bushfire Festival set the atmosphere ablaze.

Festival enthusiasts from near and far converged at the Ngwenya Border Post, where they braved long queues and waited for up to five hours in their cars to enter the kingdom. The fervour for the festival had drawn attendees from as far as Cape Town and the Eastern Cape, infusing the air with an electrifying energy that sustained them through the challenging wait at the border.

The journey from Ngwenya, through Mbabane, and onwards to Malkerns was punctuated by traffic stops conducted by the Royal Eswatini Police Service, where they alerted drivers of the changes in routes and made safety checks.
Along the Mahlanya route, the unmistakable scent of street food wafted through the air. Vendors lined the route, offering kebabs, chicken and traditional porridge with an array of salads, enticing festival-goers with the flavours of the region. Thirst-quenching drinks were also on offer, with prices ranging from E40 to E55, adding to the vibrant tapestry of the day.

Upon arrival at the main venue, House on Fire, the ambiance transformed, as the sounds of music, laughter and animated conversations filled the air. The festival’s growing popularity was evident in the increased security measures, with two additional checks this year. Despite the lengthy queues, the spirited conversations among attendees kept the mood buoyant, setting the stage for an unforgettable day ahead. As the clock neared 5pm, the festival grounds came alive with the influx of eager attendees, some venturing from bar to bar, while others explored the five distinct stages that awaited them.

The Main Stage, Amphitheatre, Ballantine’s Stage, Firefly Stage, and Jagermeister Stage beckoned with promises of diverse performances, offering something for every musical palate. The Amphitheatre stage burst into life at 6pm, as the duo Madalitso from Malawi took the spotlight, captivating the audience with their mesmerising performance. Malawian Madalitso Band has taken Europe by storm. Madalitso will make you clap, dance, smile and rethink everything you thought you knew about African sound and instrumentation.

Meanwhile, Wassabee, a rising star in the local DJ scene, kick-started the Ballantine’s Stage with an epic Hip Hop set, setting the tone for an unforgettable evening. Seba Kaapstaad’s arrival on the main stage at 7pm injected a surge of energy into the crowd, igniting an electrifying atmosphere.

Notably, the presence of local Grammy Award winner, Ndumiso Manana, further elevated the experience, as he led the audience in a rousing rendition of their renowned hits as he formed part of the four-person band from four countries.Manana’s surprise release of a single from his upcoming album set Instagram abuzz, adding an extra layer of excitement to the night. As the first day of the MTN Bushfire Festival drew to a close, the promise of more unforgettable moments lingered in the air, leaving festival-goers eager for what the following days had in store.

The fire had been lit, and the kingdom of Eswatini was ablaze with the spirit of the MTN Bushfire Festival. The MTN Bushfire Festival had officially begun, and as the day transitioned into evening, the kingdom of Eswatini was set alight with the fervour of the festival.

From the lengthy queues at the Ngwenya Border Post to the vibrant atmosphere within the festival grounds, the first day was a testament to the unyielding passion and unwavering spirit of festival-goers. With performances that ranged from captivating to electrifying, the stage was set for an unforgettable weekend, promising more fiery moments to come.

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