MTN Bushfire announces artists
| Tuesday February 6, 2018 11:42
Winner of the African Best Responsible Event Award in 2017, hailed by CNN as one of the “7 African music festivals you really have to see,” and listed by BBC as a “Top African Festival, MTN Bushfire can add a new accolade to this list, recently named as one of the Top 30 international festivals named on the EVERFEST FEST 300 list.
The initial artists announced reflect MTN Bushfire’s identity as a uniquely African, and yet globally infused festival experience. The first artists to be announced for MTN Bushfire 2018, taking place from May 25th – 27th 2018 are:
Dub Inc (France)
They have toured all over the world for many years, regularly playing in front of tens of thousands of spectators, setting the stage ablaze in the largest European and French festivals, thrilling South American and Indian audiences alike. Their videos get hundreds of thousands of views in daily, and they are followed on social networks by more than four hundred thousand fans. Saint-Etienne based Dub Inc have never sought a particularly mainstream exposure; they went their own way, building their discography with passion, talent, and focus. Perhaps that is why they have been for almost ten years the best ambassadors of French reggae across the globe.
Alice Phoebe Lou (South Africa)
Alice Phoebe Lou’s fiercely independent approach to her music has given the singer songwriter a creative confidence that shines through in her captivating vocals and stripped back music. Having developed her bluesy, folk sound busking on the streets of Berlin, Alice has caught the ears of a community of music lovers the world over with her honest storytelling and raw, beautiful voice.
Flavia Coelho (Brazil)
Flavia has travelled many of the world’s roads. From Rio de Janeiro’s Favela ‘morros’ to the storied streets of Paris, this nomad feels at home wherever she’s made welcome. Her current refuge and home-from-home is a cozy retreat where she can transform, chrysalis-like, to emerge with a fully-formed new album, her third: Sonho Real.
Elida Almeida (Cape Verde)
Winner of the RFI Discoveries Award in 2015, Elida, a young woman born on the island of Santiago, developed her vocal techniques with simple church singing. She also fostered her musical culture, presenting a show on local radio in Maio, where she grew up after her father died, helping her mother, an itinerant trader. A determined woman and champion of the right to education, Elida left the world to write her love and protest songs.
Samthing Soweto (South Africa)
Samkelo Lelethu Mdolomba also known as Samthing Soweto is a musician from Soweto, a township in Johannesburg South Africa. Samthing Soweto started his career as one of the founding members of the South African acapella group The Soil. He is honorably credited for his outstanding vocal appearance, co-writing, composing and producing 8 of 11 songs on their multi-platinum selling album The Soil. He has recently topped the South African charts with Sun-El Musician and their massive hit, Akanamali.
Tlale Makhene (Swaziland)
Tlale Makhene is one of the region’s most sought after percussionists. Highly regarded by musicians and musical fans, he is also a teacher, session musician and performer. He has been touring across the region with his new album, Swazi Gold.
The MTN Bushfire main stage consistently plays host to some of Africa (and the world’s) top artists, featuring well-known and loved favorites, as well as introducing crowds to international artists of the highest calibre.
With additional stages including the House on Fire Ampitheatre and The Barn, DJ focused dance floors and a range of other activities, MTN Bushfire caters for a diverse and eclectic audience of over 29,000 annually.
MTN Bushfire is a holistic experience made up of a rich texture of arts, cultures, crafts, food markets, and specialized zones that combine to create an explosive three-day event and a memorable take home experience.
Tickets are on sale NOW for MTN Bushfire as well as various travel and accommodation options. Festival guests are strongly encouraged to book early as tickets for the festival sell-out well in advance of the weekend and many accommodation options are also booked well in advance. There are a variety of ticket and accommodation (camping and glamping) options, as well as special VIP and family friendly packages.