One of Africa’s biggest cultural festivals, MTN Bushfire, has officially revealed its full lineup for the 2026 edition, bringing together a mix of music, poetry, theatre and dance from across the continent and beyond.

Taking place from the of May 29th to the 31st at the Malkerns Valley in Eswatini, this year’s festival will feature performances from artists including Uncle Waffles, Moonchild Sanelly and many more. Known for celebrating African creativity and cultural exchange, the festival continues to attract thousands of attendees every year.

Since launching in 2007, MTN Bushfire has grown into one of the continent’s most recognised live events, drawing visitors from around the world to experience its unique mix of music, art, activism and community spirit. The festival, which regularly welcomes crowds of up to 20 000 people, has also earned international recognition from major platforms. 

To further unpack we are joined on the line by Phiwo Dhlamini, Communications Manager of MTN Bushfire.

One of Africa&rsquo;s biggest cultural festivals, MTN Bushfire, has officially revealed its full lineup for the 2026 edition, bringing together a mix of music, poetry, theatre and dance from across the continent and beyond.
Taking place from the of May 29th to the 31st at the Malkerns Valley in Eswatini, this year&rsquo;s festival will feature performances from artists including Uncle Waffles, Moonchild Sanelly and many more. Known for celebrating African creativity and cultural exchange, the festival continues to attract thousands of attendees every year.
Since launching in 2007, MTN Bushfire has grown into one of the continent&rsquo;s most recognised live events, drawing visitors from around the world to experience its unique mix of music, art, activism and community spirit. The festival, which regularly welcomes crowds of up to 20 000 people, has also earned international recognition from major platforms.&nbsp;
To further unpack we are joined on the line by Phiwo Dhlamini, Communications Manager of MTN Bushfire.

Serious and topical issues on continent, breaking stories.

Serious and topical issues on continent, breaking stories.

The Upside

MTN Bushfire returns with a packed lineup of African music and creative talent

South African music trio WTF is back with a brand new single titled Mawungekho, set for release on 29th of May 2026 and this time they are bringing together the worlds of Trap, Amapiano and Maskandi in a way only they can. Featuring the soulful voice of uZondi, the song tells a deeply familiar story about love, pressure, timing and the fear of losing someone special to another person. It unfolds like a conversation between friends encouraging each other to step up and commit before it is too late, while also carrying the emotional weight of someone admitting that life simply feels incomplete without the person they love.

Known for creating and shaping the Gqomtrap sound, WTF continues to push South African music into exciting territory while staying connected to its roots. Formed in Durban in 2013 by Mnqobi Charles and Lindokuhle Gcwensa, the group has built a reputation for energetic performances and fearless experimentation, working with artists including AKA, Cassper Nyovest, DJ Maphorisa, DJ Tira, KO, Blxckie as well as the late Riky Rick. With Mawungekho, the group once again proves that South African music can honour tradition while still sounding fresh, bold and completely original.

South African music trio WTF is back with a brand new single titled Mawungekho, set for release on 29th of May 2026 and this time they are bringing together the worlds of Trap, Amapiano and Maskandi in a way only they can. Featuring the soulful voice of uZondi, the song tells a deeply familiar story about love, pressure, timing and the fear of losing someone special to another person. It unfolds like a conversation between friends encouraging each other to step up and commit before it is too late, while also carrying the emotional weight of someone admitting that life simply feels incomplete without the person they love.
Known for creating and shaping the Gqomtrap sound, WTF continues to push South African music into exciting territory while staying connected to its roots. Formed in Durban in 2013 by Mnqobi Charles and Lindokuhle Gcwensa, the group has built a reputation for energetic performances and fearless experimentation, working with artists including AKA, Cassper Nyovest, DJ Maphorisa, DJ Tira, KO, Blxckie as well as the late Riky Rick. With Mawungekho, the group once again proves that South African music can honour tradition while still sounding fresh, bold and completely original.

WTF returns with a powerful new love anthem rooted in culture and modern sound

Soosi, also known as Galandi Shafiq, has become one of Uganda’s fast rising online entertainers through his weekly “This Is How I Died” skits and his now famous bread munching antics during Premier League matchdays. Born and raised in Kampala, the former meteorologist has built a strong social media following by turning ordinary everyday experiences into comedy that resonates with audiences across Africa and beyond.

Through platforms like TikTok, Instagram and X, Soosi’s sharp humour and relatable storytelling have attracted millions of views and a rapidly growing fanbase across the continent and in the diaspora. His rise in the comedy space has also opened doors for major collaborations, including working alongside Nigerian comedy star Sabinus. As his online presence continues to grow, Soosi is using social media as a powerful launchpad to build a long term career in entertainment while bringing Ugandan humour to a wider audience.

Soosi, also known as Galandi Shafiq, has become one of Uganda&rsquo;s fast rising online entertainers through his weekly &ldquo;This Is How I Died&rdquo; skits and his now famous bread munching antics during Premier League matchdays. Born and raised in Kampala, the former meteorologist has built a strong social media following by turning ordinary everyday experiences into comedy that resonates with audiences across Africa and beyond.
Through platforms like TikTok, Instagram and X, Soosi&rsquo;s sharp humour and relatable storytelling have attracted millions of views and a rapidly growing fanbase across the continent and in the diaspora. His rise in the comedy space has also opened doors for major collaborations, including working alongside Nigerian comedy star Sabinus. As his online presence continues to grow, Soosi is using social media as a powerful launchpad to build a long term career in entertainment while bringing Ugandan humour to a wider audience.

Ugandan Comedy star Soosi turns everyday life into viral entertainmen

Fresh off reaching the African National Top 200 All Genres Chart, Calvin Fallo returns with a brand new single titled Everybody Wanna Be In Love. Born Katlego Mashilane in Pretoria, widely recognised as the birthplace of Amapiano, Calvin has spent more than a decade helping shape the sound and direction of the genre. From the township streets to international audiences, his music continues to carry the soulful energy and rhythm that have made Amapiano one of Africa’s biggest cultural exports.

His latest release Everybody Wanna Be In Love blends smooth Dance production with Swahili lyrics, creating a musical connection between South Africa and East Africa. The track is built for both radio listeners and dancefloor crowds, while still holding onto the authentic township influence that defines Calvin’s sound. Alongside new work such as the Afro House collaboration If Its Not Broken Dont Fix It EP, Calvin Fallo continues to show his range as an artist and producer while strengthening his influence across the African music scene.

He joins us instudio.

Fresh off reaching the African National Top 200 All Genres Chart, Calvin Fallo returns with a brand new single titled Everybody Wanna Be In Love. Born Katlego Mashilane in Pretoria, widely recognised as the birthplace of Amapiano, Calvin has spent more than a decade helping shape the sound and direction of the genre. From the township streets to international audiences, his music continues to carry the soulful energy and rhythm that have made Amapiano one of Africa&rsquo;s biggest cultural exports.
His latest release Everybody Wanna Be In Love blends smooth Dance production with Swahili lyrics, creating a musical connection between South Africa and East Africa. The track is built for both radio listeners and dancefloor crowds, while still holding onto the authentic township influence that defines Calvin&rsquo;s sound. Alongside new work such as the Afro House collaboration If Its Not Broken Dont Fix It EP, Calvin Fallo continues to show his range as an artist and producer while strengthening his influence across the African music scene.
He joins us instudio.

MTN Bushfire returns with a packed lineup of African music and creative talent

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