By Phumzile Ndlovu
MALKERNS – The excitement is building for the 18th edition of the MTN Bushfire Festival, scheduled to take place from May 30 to June 1, 2025, at the picturesque Malendela lawn in Malkerns.
This year’s festival lineup continues to grow, promising an unforgettable experience for music lovers.Adding to the already impressive roster of performers are two South African music icons: K.O (Ntokozo Mdluli) and Mörda (Bongani Mahosana).
K.O, known as Mr. Cashtime, has made a significant mark on the South African hip hop scene. Rising from Soweto, he has built a legacy with the iconic group Teargas, followed by the groundbreaking label Cashtime Life. K.O’s smash hit “Caracara” made history as the first South African rap video to achieve over a million views on YouTube, showcasing his impactful journey in the industry.
Meanwhile, Mörda is set to electrify the MTN Bushfire stage with his Afro-electronic performances. A former member of the acclaimed duo Black Motion, Mörda has established himself as a solo artist known for his unique fusion of soulful house, Afrobeat rhythms, and deep house grooves.
The duo joins an already stellar lineup featuring a diverse array of 25 artists, from around the globe. The festival is renowned for showcasing an eclectic mix of genres and cultural influences, making it a must-attend event for music enthusiasts.
The full lineup includes:
- 340ml (Mozambique)
- ABAO (Taiwan)
- Aymos (South Africa)
- Boom Shaka (South Africa)
- BDI (South Africa)
- Candeleros (Spain, Colombia, Venezuela)
- Crimson House (South Africa)
- Feli Nandi (Zimbabwe)
- Grupo Mavichi (Colombia)
- iNkabi Zezwe (South Africa)
- Internet Girl (South Africa)
- Intsatsakusa (Eswatini)
- iPhupho L’ka Biko (South Africa)
- Jembaa Groove (Ghana, Germany, Benin, Israel, Cuba, Portugal)
- Khole (Eswatini)
- Kujenga (South Africa)
- Ladysmith Black Mambazo (South Africa)
- Lia Butler (South Africa)
- Madala Kunene & Sibusile Xaba (South Africa)
- Money Badoo (South Africa)
- Nduduzo Makhathini (South Africa)
- Steam Down (United Kingdom)
- Young Zesh x Lyrikal Busta (Eswatini)
- Zara McFarlane (United Kingdom)
- Zee Nxumalo (Eswatini, South Africa)
With its rich lineup and the addition of K.O and Mörda, the MTN Bushfire Festival is set to be a spectacular celebration of music and culture, drawing audiences from all over the world. Don’t miss out on this vibrant showcase of talent!
