MBABANE – The 2026 MTN Bushfire Firefly regional open mic activations, which began on January 23, concluded their four-town tour this past week, drawing over 60 artists.
The initiative, aimed at identifying emerging local talent, recorded a total participation of more than 60 vocalists, rappers and singers across Nhlangano, Siteki, Manzini and Mbabane. The tour was organised to capture talent from all four administrative regions of Eswatini.
The activations followed a specific chronological and geographic route as roadshows with different collaborations, such as the Youth Enterprise RevolvingFund and Limkokwing University.
On January 23, the activation took place in the Nhlangano Zam-Zam Complex. On January 24, the activation went to Siteki town, on January 30, the session went to Mbabane and on January 31, the final leg took place in Manzini Somhlolo Park.
According to Penny Bouwer , MTN Bushfire Firefly Project Manager the purpose of the activation was a fun-filled way to go to the four different regions to attract and create awareness of the Firefly competition and encourage artists to apply. Applicants are required to submit their electronic press kits (EPKs) via www.bush-fire.com/firely, which will be reviewed by an adjudication panel to select the top 20. Applications for the competition end on Friday, February 6.
“The activations attracted over 60 artists; the participants still need to apply as their participation was not an automatic entry. Otherwise, we were very thrilled that the participants came in numbers to participate and showcase their talent” she said.
She elaborated that the participants performed different genres including Hip Hop, RnB, Gqom and Amapiano. She highlighted that Eswatini has amazing talent and stated that the future is bright. She also explained the steps towards the grand finale.
*Full article available on Pressreader*
The activation in Mbabane on January 30. (Courtesy pics)