MBABANE – The MTN Bushfire is thrilled to announce that applications are open for the 19th edition of the hottest music talent competition for Eswatini’s #YoungGiftedFree, MTN Bushfire Firefly.
MTN Bushfire is calling on young artists in Eswatini to send their music recordings to be considered for the Firefly competition.
The winners will perform live at the MTN Bushfire Festival, which will be held from May 29 to 31, 2026, giving them an incredible platform to share their sound with a wider audience.
MTN Bushfire Firefly creates a music space with no limitations for the #YoungGiftedFree to freely express themselves by sharing their musical creativity and lyrical authenticity. The #YoungGiftedFree are trailblazers who dream big and hustle hard. Vocalists, singers and rappers aged between 16 and 35 years are invited to submit their music recordings for a chance to be part of MTN Bushfire Firefly.
Applications for this year’s edition of the competition are now open via the Firefly page on the MTN Bushfire website (www.bush-fire.com/firefly). Applicants are required to send two tracks for consideration and their Electronic Press Kit (EPK). Applications close on January 30, 2026.
Launched in 2017, MTN Bushfire Firefly is a manifestation of MTN Bushfire’s Bring Your Fire call to action for positive social and environmental change. The competition is an expression of the festival’s arts development pillar, which has inspired conscious and tangible efforts to create sustained access to the arts for Eswatini’s youth.
Over the years, the competition has established an inspiring track record of unearthing, promoting and supporting emerging talent by giving the youth a credible platform to share their music to wide audiences.
To date, the music competition has empowered over 100 up-and-coming artists, most of whom have used this opportunity to elevate their musical careers and become recognised artists in Eswatini’s music industry.
Each year, 20 artists are selected from the applications and promoted across MTN Bushfire’s social media platforms and affiliate festival platforms to grow their reach and awareness.
The Top 10 artists are then selected by public vote to perform for a live audience at the MTN Bushfire Firefly Grand Finale.
The Top three winners receive exciting prizes, career opportunities and the grand prize of a performance slot at the MTN Bushfire festival.
(L-R) Last year’s MTN Bushfire competition winners, Celumusa, Hapkoo and Ace Julz.