BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MALKERNS– As the excitement surrounding the 2026 MTN Bushfire Firefly competition reaches a fever pitch, one name has emerged as a symbol of the fresh, evolving sound of Eswatini: Sanele Muzi Shiba, professionally known as ‘Sugar’.
Having been officially unveiled as part of the competition’s Top 20 finalists on 23 February 2026, Sugar is currently vying for a spot on the main stage, bringing a blend of passion and purposeful storytelling to the iconic House On Fire stage.
For the budding artist, this nomination is a significant milestone in a journey he officially set in motion in 2024. Reflecting on his selection, Sugar expressed profound gratitude: “I am eternally grateful for such an opportunity. It fills my heart with great joy to have made it thus far in my music career.”
Drawing inspiration from the Afrobeats genre, Sugar has already released two tracks, WHAT NOW and Bad Condition, on YouTube and SoundCloud. Regarding his artistic path, the artist noted, “I plan to jump into every genre that feels relevant to my story.”
Sugar and the fellow finalists are now preparing for live auditions scheduled for 7 March 2026, at House On Fire. Following these auditions and continued voting, the Top 10 finalists will earn the opportunity to take the stage for the Grand Finale on 24 April 2026. The top three winners of the finale will secure a career-defining performance slot at the 19th edition of the MTN Bushfire Festival, scheduled for 29–31 May 2026.
As the competition enters this decisive phase, the fate of the rising stars rests with the public. Voting is the heartbeat of this campaign and the primary factor in determining who advances to the Top 10 and eventually the Grand Finale. Sugar’s journey from studio newcomer to a Top 20 finalist is a testament to dedication, but the artist requires the support of the public to cross the finish line.
Music enthusiasts are urged to head to the official platforms and cast their votes before the 13 March 2026 deadline. This is a critical opportunity to champion local talent; every vote serves as a catalyst that could propel Sugar onto the main stage of one of Africa’s most celebrated festivals.
The full list of finalists showcasing the Kingdom’s “Young, Gifted, and Free” spirit includes:
- Cool Drop, Kyro, and MCO Jamrock
- Hillarea, Leelo G, and Blackchild
- Mr_E, Maweseli, and Sugar
- M4L!, ABN, and Prorbs
- Sisekelo, Shawn, and Milton B
- Sweli, JD, and Morewish
- As4JerryP, Emagagu, and Grinder
#EPN#Sugar #MTNBushfireFirefly #YoungGiftedFree #EswatiniMusic #MTNPulse #HouseOnFire #RisingStar
(Courtesy Pic)
