In photos: MTN Bushfire festival

Posted by Teagan Cunniffe on 7 April 2016

‘Bring your fire’ the saying goes – and they mean it. Vuyi and I travelled to the MTN Bushfire festival in Swaziland last year to witness the burning ourselves.

Swaziland’s MTN Bushfire festival is something special. Swaziland is a beautiful, proud country. It’s different, and diverse. And although it also has a reputation for keeping a tight grip on self-expression, Bushfire flies its freedom flag defiantly. You’ll see every type of person under the sun – black and white, foreign and local, children and adults – all smiling, dancing, talking, drinking, eating and just plain enjoying together.

It’s a festival like no other.

There are people crying. Others are chanting and clapping and everyone – everyone – is dancing. Bantu Continua Uhuru Consciousness (BCUC) are moving my spirit. I close my eyes and let the music and lyrics move me. – Vuyi Qubeka

This year the festival promises to be just as good, if not better, than last year. Be sure to head over to the Bushfire website, for more information on the line-up and to book your ticket.

Read Vuyi’s full story in the April 2016 issue of Getaway magazine

And also read: Why you can’t miss Bushfire festival this year