BY PHUMZILE NDLOVU
MALKERNS – Sparks flew and the crowd roared as hometown heroes Young Zesh and Lyrkal Busta lit up the Main Stage at the 18th edition of the MTN Bushfire Festival, proving once again why they’re one of Eswatini’s most electric duos—even after their split.
The Bushfire Festival, taking place at the lush Malandelas Lawns, is in full swing, drawing thousands of music lovers from around the region for a weekend of culture, art, and unforgettable performances. And unforgettable it was.
From solo vibes to a fiery reunion. Afro-pop sensation and 2024 NACA Award winner Young Zesh (Mzwandile Ginindza) stepped out first, dressed head-to-toe in crisp white, commanding the stage with two solo hits that had the crowd singing back every word. Twenty minutes in, he passed the mic to former collaborator Lyrkal Busta (Thandolwethu Masuku), who kept the energy sky-high.
The real magic happened when Busta brought out saxophonist Zwile Bhembe—and then, without warning, called Young Zesh back on stage.
The moment fans had been hoping for arrived- the two performed together again, sending the crowd into frenzy. Their chemistry, charisma, and passion for performance were unmistakable.
“We’re in a good space now,” Busta shared at the MTN Media room interview. “Performing with Zesh is always inspiring—KaKhoza connects us forever.”
“It was a dream come true,” Zesh added. “This is our third Bushfire performance, and we’re grateful to our fans and the organizers. And yes—we’re working on something new!”
The night that kept on giving. The festival continues to deliver top-tier entertainment. Saturday’s line-up still has heat in store:
Inkabi Zezwe (Sjava & Big Zulu) – 11:00 p.m., Main Stage
DJ Melon – 10:15 p.m., Corona Stage
Thakzin – 12:15 a.m., Corona Stage
Aymos – 1:00 a.m., Main Stage
Yesterday’s performances were just as thrilling. 90s icons Boom Shaka brought nostalgic joy and revealed they’re cooking up new tracks with younger artists. “We love the energy here in Eswatini,” said Thembi Seete, who also praised rising star Zee Nxumalo, one of Friday’s standout performers.
Over at the Corona Firefly Stage, Oscar Mbo turned the venue into a sweat-drenched, feel-good dance fest, spinning a crowd-favourite one-hour set. Other regional heavyweights like KO and Mozambican star Assa Matusse also wowed the crowd.
As the festival winds down tomorrow, fans are gearing up for the final act: Mörda Bongs (Bongani Mohosana) will close the festival with a bang on the Main Stage at 8 p.m.
If the past two nights are any indication, Bushfire 2025 already has some big shoes to fill.
