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

 

Swaziland - MTN Bushfire 2015

Swaziland Bushfire 2015.

 

Swaziland - MTN Bushfire 2015 - Love and light all around

Love and light all around.

 

Kids are welcome here. Swaziland - MTN Bushfire 2015

Kids are welcome here. There’s a dedicated play zone and this year (2016) there will be an African Storytelling hut.

 

Evening - Swaziland - MTN Bushfire 2015

Evening at Swaziland Bushfire 2015.

Swaziland - MTN Bushfire 2015

 

The view of the main stage at night. Swaziland - MTN Bushfire 2015

The view of the main stage at night.

 

Swaziland - MTN Bushfire 2015 - Les Nubians (left) and Freshlyground (right)

LEFT: Les Nubians | RIGHT: Freshlyground.

 

Swaziland - MTN Bushfire 2015 - Joy, smiles and dance

Joy, smiles and dance.

 

House on Fire Amphitheatre - Swaziland - MTN Bushfire 2015

House on Fire Amphitheatre, with its colourful fantasy-scape.

 

The Ampitheatre. Swaziland - MTN Bushfire 2015

The Amphitheatre.

 

Portraits from the festival. Swaziland - MTN Bushfire 2015

Portraits from the festival. On the right, Vuyi’s friend, Craig, wearing headphones from the silent gig by Tonik and friends.

 

Swaziland - MTN Bushfire 2015. Kahn from the Parlotones and The Soil

Kahn from the Parlotones and The Soil.

 

BCUC never fail to rouse your spirit. Swaziland - MTN Bushfire 2015

BCUC never fail to rouse your spirit and send goosebumps across your flesh.

 

Sunset over the crowds. Swaziland - MTN Bushfire 2015

Sunset over the crowds.

 

Also read: The best music festivals in Africa

 

Read the full story in the April 2016 issue of Getaway magazine.

Get this issue →

Our April issue is packed full of great holiday ideas for 2016. Get your copy today.

 

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