By Phumzile Ndlovu
MBABANE – Dancers, get ready to step into the spotlight! The Eswatini National Dance Association (ENDA) is offering an exciting opportunity for local dancers to perform at this year’s MTN Bushfire Festival 2025—one of Africa’s biggest and most celebrated festivals.
The 18th edition of the MTN Bushfire Festival will be held on 30 May- 01 June 2025 at the luscious Malandelas Lawn in Malkerns.
In a ground-breaking move, ENDA has announced a Dance Workshop and Auditions for dancers across Eswatini’s four regions, where participants will get the chance to train and perform alongside cultural dancers from Colombia, Mozambique, and Eswatini.
According to Sithembiso “The Toothless Dancer” Magagula, a well-known choreographer and ENDA representative, the initiative is part of a collaborative cultural exchange between the three countries.
The selected dancers will share the MTN Bushfire stage with international acts, gaining exposure and experience like never before.
“As an association, we wanted to create an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for dancers,” said Magagula. “Usually, its singers and musicians who get to perform at MTN Bushfire. This year, we are changing that by putting dancers’ front and centre.”
The Workshop & Auditions will be held on May 26 – 29, 2025 at the Fitness Zone, Manzini. Time: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM daily
Participation is free, and the workshop will include cultural dance training sessions followed by auditions. From the four regions, 40 dancers will be selected; and four to six outstanding dancers will earn the golden opportunity to perform at the festival.
May 26–27 2025 will be the Dance workshops. While on May 28–29: Auditions and rehearsals for shortlisted dancers.
“This is the first initiative of its kind in Eswatini,” added Magagula. “We’re inviting passionate dancers to register, show up, and show off their talent.”
Interested dancers can join the registration group via WhatsApp link below:
https://chat.whatsapp.com/K2Zanj3IlYNLDCnQrEyXeJn
Additionally, ENDA is currently conducting free nationwide registration for all dancers to become official members of the association.
This drive, led by ENDA President Nobantu Masilela, aims to bring unity and support to the country’s dance community. Dancers can register from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM daily until tomorrow( May 16, 2025), at their nearest Arts and Culture Centre.
