Voting is officially open for the Top 20 finalists of the MTN Bushfire Firefly, marking an exciting stage in Eswatini’s leading music talent search and giving supporters a chance to influence which 10 artists advance to the next stage and getting closer to showcasing their talent on an international stage.
Fans can now cast their votes via the official Firefly online voting platform, accessible through the competition’s official social media pages or via quick link: https://docs.google.com/forms/u/0/d/e/1FAIpQLScMiWezrKBdlLI3ylxhug_1XDaSL8FD6mC3lzQrPXHowSkEcg/formResponse
Supporters are encouraged to vote within the permitted limits (1 vote per person) and to further share voting links widely to help boost their favourite artists’ chances of progressing to the next round. Organisers have also indicated that voting updates and reminders will be shared across Firefly and partner communication platforms throughout the voting period.
A dynamic Top 20 steps into the spotlight
The Top 20 finalists, announced on 20 February following a rigorous adjudication process, showcase a diverse blend of musical styles and creative voices from across the country. With voting now underway, fans are encouraged to support their favourite artists as they compete for a place in the Top 10.
Public participation remains a key pillar of the Firefly format. While expert adjudicators identified the finalists, a percentage of public votes will contribute to determining which artists move forward. This phase highlights the importance of audience connection, visibility, and the ability of artists to mobilise support for their music.
Important milestones ahead
The Firefly calendar continues to build momentum. All Top 20 finalists are required to attend live auditions scheduled for Saturday, 7 March 2026, at House On Fire, with non-attendance potentially resulting in disqualification. Voting for this stage will close on 13 March, followed by the announcement of the Top 10 on 20 March.
The competition will culminate in the Firefly Grand Finale on 24 April, where live performances will determine the Top 3 winners. These artists will then earn the opportunity to perform at the renowned MTN Bushfire Festival, set to take place from 29–31 May 2026.
More than just competition
Beyond recognition, Firefly continues to offer meaningful development opportunities for participants. The Top 20 will receive music promotion on international platforms, MTN CallerTunes onboarding, and participation in the Arts Round Table, creating valuable networking prospects with global stakeholders.
Top 10 finalists will perform at the Grand Finale with an expense stipend and receive branded merchandise, while the Top 3 winners will walk away with mobile phones sponsored by MTN Eswatini and the coveted Bushfire Festival performance slot.
Ace Julz shares his journey with MTN Firefly
Reigning Firefly winner Ace Julz says his victory was years in the making, rooted in persistence and preparation.
“My Firefly journey started two years earlier,” he recalls. “I first applied in 2023 and never got a response. I tried again in 2024 and still didn’t get a response.”
Instead of giving up, he used that period to grow.
“I became intentional with building my online presence and attending workshops where I met like-minded people, such as Mae Lee, fellow artist Mae Lee during her successful Firefly run. I was with her from day one of voting until she got to the Top 10. Watching her perform gave me a visual of what I needed to do.”
“Entering 2025, I had one goal, to come back and go for the win, beyond my comfort level, I gained the courage to walk up to people who didn’t know I’m a musician and ask them to vote. Some are still with me today.”
While winning boosted his visibility, it also reshaped his understanding of success. “Winning doesn’t mean immediate success. You still have to go back to the drawing board and build, but now you’re no longer building from zero, you have a community and a network.”
“I learnt to diversify because seasons change in the music business, I now am more than a performing artist, but also a producer, voice-over artist, MC and event coordinator.”
Mobilising support and celebrating local talent
As voting progresses, organisers are encouraging the public to stream the finalists’ music, share their favourites across social platforms, and play an active role in shaping the outcome of the competition. With the race to the Top 10 now underway, Firefly once again places local talent at the centre of the spotlight, reminding audiences that the next big sound from Eswatini could be just a vote away, and every vote counts.
