BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MANZINI – Hard works paves the way to success!
Eswatini’s thriving music scene is set to shine on an international stage, as local Afro pop/soul artist Celumusa Mkhaliphi celebrates a major milestone in his career. The singer and guitarist was last week Thursday (24 April 2025), named one of the winners of the 2025 MTN Bushfire Firefly competition, securing a coveted spot to perform at this year’s MTN Bushfire Festival next month.
The 18 edition of MTN Bushfire Festival will be held on 30 May -01 June 2025 at the luscious Malandelas lawn in Malkerns.
The Firefly competition, known for uncovering and promoting emerging talent across Eswatini, is a significant platform for local musicians. Mkhaliphi began his musical journey in 2016, described the win as a dream come true.
“Winning this competition is a dream come true,” he said. “It provides a platform to share Eswatini music with the world.”
Despite his recent success, the road leading up to the MTN Bushfire Firefly Stage was not without challenges. He shared that he struggled with self-doubt, particularly as the competition drew near.
“I always believed that I didn’t deserve that stage,” he admitted. It was the encouragement from past Firefly winners, including friends Liyana Ndiweni and Black Child, which helped push him forward. “They motivated me to keep going. I couldn’t let their belief in me go to waste.”
Rehearsals in the lead-up to the performance were intense, and adapting to a new performance format tested his resilience. “I wasn’t happy with my last rehearsal,” he recalled. “I prefer playing live with my guitar, so performing with a backing track was a challenge.”
Despite these hurdles, Mkhaliphi adapted and delivered a performance that impressed both the audience and the judges. “I ended up using a backing track for my performance, and it worked for me,” he said, a testament to his flexibility and professionalism.
With his Firefly win, he is now preparing for his performance on the MTN Bushfire Festival stage—one of the region’s most anticipated cultural events. He hopes to use the opportunity to not only further his career but also uplift other aspiring artists in Eswatini.
“I want to encourage everyone to support local music,” he urged. “Our sound deserves to be heard everywhere—from public transport to restaurants.”
He is also set to release a new single titled Sondzela and is currently working on an EP that he says will reflect his artistic growth and commitment to storytelling through music. “I want my music to resonate with people and tell our stories,” he shared.
For up-and-coming musicians, his advice is practical and forward-thinking: “Keep recording music and learn about the business side, including copyrights and distribution,” he said. “Understanding your craft and the market is key to making it in this business.”
As he prepares to take the Bushfire stage, Celumusa’s story is one of perseverance, talent, and a deep love for his roots. “I promise to deliver music that feeds the soul,” he said, ready to represent Eswatini with pride and passion.
