MTN MAKES BUSHFIRE MORE ACCESSIBLE FOR EMASWATI

As excitement builds for the 2026 edition of the MTN Bushfire Festival, MTN Eswatini is shifting the spotlight toward something more personal: making sure emaSwati can experience the festival not from the sidelines, but from within the fire itself.

At the official launch, Acting CEO Jerry Soko reaffirmed the company’s long-standing partnership with Bushfire.

Putting emaSwati First

For years, Bushfire has attracted global audiences, but MTN is now doubling down on ensuring that local communities are fully included. Through newly introduced discounted MoMo tickets, emaSwati now have a more affordable pathway into one of Africa’s most celebrated festivals.

This move signals a deliberate shift: from simply sponsoring a major event to actively opening it up to the people of Eswatini.

Soko emphasised that Bushfire is not just about entertainment, but about connection and belonging. “It is a platform for creativity, connection, and positive social change,” he said, a vision that aligns with MTN’s broader mission of building a digitally inclusive society.

A Connected Festival Experience

Beyond affordability, MTN is enhancing how emaSwati experience the festival. With Lula Combos and the MyMTN App, attendees will have easier access to artist updates, schedules, and real-time festival moments, ensuring they stay connected throughout the experience.

From buying tickets to following performances, the entire journey is becoming more seamless and locally accessible.

Empowering Local Traders and Creatives

MTN’s impact extends beyond festival-goers. Through its MoMo platform, the company is enabling cashless transactions across key spaces like the Barn Marketplace and Global Food Village. This creates opportunities for local vendors, small businesses, and creatives to participate more fully in the festival economy.

By simplifying payments and improving security, MTN is helping local entrepreneurs benefit directly from Bushfire’s vibrant marketplace.

Growing Local Talent

The commitment to emaSwati also shines through in talent development. The MTN Bushfire Firefly Competition continues to provide a platform for emerging local artists under the #YoungGiftedFree banner. With exposure, mentorship, and performance opportunities, the initiative remains a vital stepping stone into the creative industry.

The Firefly Grand Finale is once again expected to be a highlight of the festival weekend.

Building a Responsible and Sustainable Festival

Sustainability and social responsibility remain central to MTN’s approach. This year, the company is strengthening its waste management initiatives while also using the Bushfire Live Conversations platform to raise awareness around Child Online Protection.

In addition, MTN is investing in people behind the scenes by sponsoring fully funded Skills Academy courses for members of the Bushfire team, building capacity and strengthening the festival from within.

A Festival for the People

As the 2026 edition approaches at House on Fire, the message is clear: Bushfire belongs to emaSwati as much as it does to the world.

Soko closed with a call that now carries even greater meaning: “Bring Your Fire.”

This year, more emaSwati than ever before will have the chance to answer that call, not as spectators, but as part of the experience itself.