BY PHUMZILE NDLOVU
MALKERNS – In a move to elevate opportunities for artists and arts industry professionals in Eswatini, MTN Bushfire and the Africa Rising Music Conference (ARMC) have renewed their partnership, launching the second edition of the Arts Round Table Online Workshops.
Applications to attend the next MTN Bushfire Arts Round Table will open in March 2025. For more information, please visit the festival’s website and social media platforms.
The partnership, initially formed in 2022, is a testament to MTN Bushfire’s commitment to supporting sustainable arts development through its “Bring Your Fire” call to action for positive social and environmental change. This is expressed annually through the MTN Bushfire Arts Round Table arts industry workshops.
“Our renewed partnership with MTN Bushfire continues to be a vital bridge between Eswatini, Africa, and international markets—equipping artists and industry professionals with the knowledge and networks to thrive,” said Sarah Jane Nicholson, Founder of ARMC. “The impact we’ve seen, from enhanced distribution to policy support and artist exchanges, reaffirms the importance of long-term collaboration.”
The first session of the Arts Round Table Online Workshops will be held on March 6, 2025, focusing on a “Music Publishing and Copyright Masterclass.” Interested participants can apply via the provided link. This will be followed by a session on “How to Monetize Your Music in 2025” on April 10, 2025.
The in-person MTN Bushfire Arts Round Table will take place on May 30, 2025, ahead of the MTN Bushfire festival weekend. The 2025 edition will explore themes such as amplifying underrepresented voices, building bridges through artist export and cross-continental collaboration, and driving innovation in music and AI.
Since the inception of the MTN Bushfire Arts Round Table workshops in 2012, over 1,100 artists have benefited. Through the MTN Bushfire and ARMC partnership, notable outcomes have included the introduction and increase in music distribution globally for 10 Eswatini artists, support for the development of the Eswatini Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Society (ESWACOS), and artist exchange opportunities in Europe.
“The collective vision to connect Eswatini and Africa to the world continues to offer multiple opportunities for African executives and creatives to network across the globe,” said the organizers. “We’re excited to keep building this ecosystem together, driving innovation, and amplifying African talent worldwide.”
