BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MALKERNS- Excitement is building as the MTN Bushfire Firefly 2026 Grand Finale prepares to light up House On Fire in Malkerns on Friday, 24 April from 7pm. What began as a national talent search has now evolved into a powerful launchpad for Eswatini’s next generation of music stars — and this year, the stakes are higher than ever.
Ten gifted artists will take to the stage in a live showdown, competing for a place in the Top 3. The winners will not only earn a coveted performance slot at the MTN Bushfire Festival set for 29–31 May, but will also walk away with life-changing educational opportunities.
In a landmark partnership, Limkokwing University of Creative Technology will award each of the Top 3 finalists a full tuition scholarship toward any Bachelor’s or Associate Degree programme at its Eswatini campus, with options to study at its Lesotho or Botswana campuses. This elevates the Firefly experience beyond performance into professional and academic development for young creatives.
The Top 10 finalists who will battle it out on the night are: Cool Drop, Leelo G, Emagagu, Sweli, JD, Morewish, AS4JerryP, Hillary Mirindi, MCO Jamrock and Kyro. These artists earned their place through a series of regional activations and open mic sessions held in Siteki, Nhlangano, Manzini and Mbabane, before the final announcement at the MTN Eswatini headquarters in Ezulwini.
Adding star power to the evening will be South African chart-topping rapper, singer and producer Blxckie as the 2026 Guest Artist. He will be joined by local crowd favourites Bandora and Chantel MG, promising a high-energy atmosphere filled with celebration and creativity.
Voting to determine the Top 3 will be a blend of public votes opened on the night and expert adjudication from industry professionals, giving audiences a direct voice in shaping the future of Eswatini’s music scene.
Beyond the scholarships, the Grand Finale introduces an ecosystem of partners committed to artist development. Kingdom XLR will provide professional visual documentation and mentorship, with each of the Top 3 winners receiving a professionally recorded single. The Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture (ENCAC) will offer studio time to the Top 10 and host a live podcast recording at the event. Retina Photography will also award one standout artist from the Top 20 finalists a fully produced professional music video, with the winner announced live on the night.
To make travel easier and safer for fans, organisers have arranged an official Park n Ride shuttle service from Mbabane, Ezulwini, Mahhala and Manzini at E40 per trip, aligning with the festival’s environmental sustainability efforts.
Tickets are available for E150 via the MoMo WhatsApp Marketplace, and will be sold at the door for E200.
As anticipation rises, the MTN Bushfire Firefly Grand Finale promises more than an evening of entertainment. It stands as a defining moment where talent meets opportunity, education meets creativity, and Eswatini’s future music stars step boldly into the spotlight.
#EPN#MTNBushfire #Firefly2026 #LimkokwingEswatini #HouseOnFire #YoungGiftedFree #EswatiniMusic #CreativeIndustry #BushfireFestival #SupportLocalArtists
(Courtesy Pic)
