The Ngwenya Border Post bustled with activity yesterday as thousands of visitors poured into the country from South Africa ahead of the highly anticipated Bushfire Festival.
The MTN Bushfire Festival will be hosted at House on Fire from today to Sunday, bringing international and local performers expected to ignite excitement across multiple stages.
Long queues of vehicles stretched as far as the eye could see on the South African side, with motorists slowly making their way into the kingdom as festivalgoers prepare for one of the country’s biggest entertainment and tourism events.
The atmosphere at the border was filled with excitement as many travellers were seen taking pictures and videos upon arrival, celebrating their entry into the country.
Lesihle Mohale described the moment as part of the Bushfire experience, saying they were eager to enjoy the music, culture and vibrant atmosphere associated with the internationally recognised festival.
A police officer stationed at the border post, Welcome Mabuza, confirmed that it had been busy since the early morning. He noted that traffic had been heavy throughout the day, saying they were still expecting more arrivals today.
“The border has been busy since morning, and cars have been flooding in,” he said.
Meanwhile, telecommunications companies also took advantage of the influx of travellers, with MTN Eswatini and Eswatini Mobile vendors seen selling SIM cards to visitors to help them stay connected during their stay in the country.
Music lovers will be treated to a blend of jazz, Afrobeat, house, drumming and electronic sounds throughout the weekend.
Today’s programme on the MTN Bushfire Main Stage will feature London singer Summer Pearl at 7pm, bringing her fusion of neo-soul, reggae and alternative jazz to the audiences.
Her performances have gained international attention for combining music with themes centred on empowerment and identity.
The same evening on the Corona Firefly Stage, Kenyan DJ and producer DJ Mura K.E will mesmerise the crowd at 8pm, with his electronic dance sound shaped through years in the East African music scene.
At the Bring Your Fire Stage, Klitsgras Drumming will introduce energetic African rhythms and interactive drumming culture from Pretoria.
ALSO READ | ‘Women now account for 59% of country’s digital skills trainees’
The Amphitheatre Stage will also host ESINAM and Sibusile Xaba at 8pm, combining West African roots with spiritual African sounds and electronic influences. Their collaboration has built recognition through hypnotic performances inspired by healing and ancestral connection.
Tomorrow the spotlight shifts to award-winning London collective KOKOROKO, on the Main Stage at 7pm, with their modern Afrobeat-jazz sound.
Local DJ Gifted Kosi will also represent the country on the Corona Firefly Stage at 4pm, through her energetic blend of dancing and DJ performance styles.
The weekend will conclude on Sunday with the internationally celebrated Ndlovu Youth Choir appearing on the Main Stage at 2pm.
Local entertainer Sbu De Drum DJ will also bring Afro-house energy to the Corona Firefly Stage while Ace Julz prepares to showcase his signature Langenican sound during the festival celebrations.
Beyond the performances, the festival will continue celebrating cultural exchange through music, creativity and African storytelling as audiences move between stages across the three-day experience.
Meanwhile, Uncle Waffles, a world-celebrated DJ, is one of the main performers expected to set the house on fire when she takes to the stage tonight.
