- Premier Hails Festival’s Growing Economic Impact
BY MBONO MDLULI
MALKERNS – Thousands of festivalgoers descended on House on Fire and Malandela’s Lawn on Friday as Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini officially opened the 19th edition of the MTN Bushfire Festival, setting the stage for another vibrant celebration of music, culture, creativity and entrepreneurship.
The internationally acclaimed festival, held under the theme “Juncture of Hum,” has once again transformed Malkerns into a melting pot of cultures, attracting visitors from across the world while showcasing the very best of Eswatini’s creative spirit.
As excitement filled the festival grounds, the Prime Minister praised MTN Bushfire for its remarkable growth over the past 19 years, describing it as one of Eswatini’s most valuable cultural and economic assets.
During a tour of the bustling festival marketplace, Dlamini engaged with local entrepreneurs, artists and traders who were showcasing a diverse range of products and services, from traditional crafts and fashion to food and entertainment.
He commended the festival for creating meaningful opportunities for small businesses while strengthening Eswatini’s tourism industry and international profile.
“Bushfire has become much more than a music festival. It is a platform that promotes entrepreneurship, cultural exchange and creative expression while generating significant economic activity for the country,” he said.
The Prime Minister highlighted the event’s positive ripple effect across several sectors, including hospitality, accommodation, transport, retail and food services, all of which experience increased business during the festival period.
One of the standout moments of the opening day came during his visit to the popular Hopf family stall, a three-time winner of the Bushfire Best Stall Award. In a light-hearted moment that delighted festivalgoers, Dlamini ordered 10 All American Corndogs and signed the family’s famous “Hall of Fame” board, drawing cheers and laughter from those nearby.
The gesture reflected the warm and festive atmosphere that has become synonymous with MTN Bushfire, where visitors, performers and vendors come together to celebrate culture, community and creativity.
The Prime Minister also acknowledged the hard work and resilience of local entrepreneurs participating in the festival, noting that platforms such as Bushfire play an important role in empowering small businesses and nurturing local talent.
Over nearly two decades, MTN Bushfire has evolved into one of Africa’s leading cultural festivals, attracting thousands of visitors annually and creating lasting social and economic benefits for communities across Eswatini.
As the opening day came to a close, anticipation continued to build for a weekend packed with world-class performances, cultural experiences and meaningful connections, reinforcing Bushfire’s reputation as a festival that not only entertains but also drives tourism, business growth and national pride.
