As the 2026 MTN Bushfire Festival now concluded, Festival Director Jiggs Thorne revealed that tickets for the 2027 edition will be released within two weeks, giving supporters an early opportunity to secure their place at what is expected to be a landmark celebration for one of Africa’s leading arts and culture festivals.
The Director reflects on the festival’s history As Bushfire continues to build on nearly two decades of growth.
“When we had the first bushfire edition in 2007, we had just over 1,000 people,Today we welcome around 23,000 people from more than 55 countries around the world.”
For Thorne, the numbers represent more than just increased attendance. They reflect the festival’s transformation into a global cultural gathering that has helped place Eswatini on the map as a destination for arts, music and creative exchange.
Over the years, Bushfire has welcomed artists, audiences, media representatives and industry professionals from across Africa and beyond, creating a platform that brings together different cultures and experiences in one space.
Growth Beyond the Crowd
While attendance figures remain one of the most visible indicators of the festival’s success, Thorne said Bushfire’s growth can also be seen in how the event itself has evolved.
From its early years, the festival has expanded both physically and creatively, introducing new spaces and experiences designed to cater to a wider audience.
Among the additions that have become part of the Bushfire experience are attractions such as the Don Julio Silent Disco and the off-grid Flying Fish dam Stage, which offer festivalgoers alternative spaces to engage with music and entertainment beyond the main stage.
“We have grown in different stages over the years, that offer a unique feel of their own apart from the main stage, Firefly stage and Bring your Fire zone, through of course collaborations and support”
Today, Bushfire is known for much more than music. The festival incorporates visual arts, fashion, food, cultural exhibitions and social dialogue, creating a multi-dimensional experience that attracts diverse audiences.
Economic Impact Continues to Expand
Beyond its cultural significance, Thorne highlighted the growing economic contribution the festival makes to Eswatini.
According to the festival director, accommodation facilities are among the businesses that experience a direct benefit during the Bushfire period as visitors travel from different parts of the country and around the world.
“We see accommodation facilities filling up because of the festival, and even home owners opening up their spaces welcoming guests who want to be located as long to the festival because festival campsites also have their capacities reached way too early regardless of the expansion each year.”
The impact extends beyond accommodation.
Bushfire has become an important marketplace for both local and international vendors, providing business opportunities for entrepreneurs operating in sectors ranging from food and beverages to fashion, crafts and creative products.
Festival grounds host a variety of traders who use the event as an opportunity to reach thousands of potential customers over the festival weekend.
The event also creates demand for services linked to transport, security, production, hospitality and tourism, generating activity across multiple sectors of the economy, with the festival directly employing over 1,500 staff yearly.
Over the years, this broader impact has become an increasingly important aspect of the festival’s value, contributing to both cultural development and economic participation.
Looking Ahead to 2027
As attention turns towards the next edition, organisers are preparing to mark an important milestone in the festival’s history.
The 2027 event will celebrate 20 years of MTN Bushfire, a significant achievement for a festival that began with just over 1,000 attendees and has grown into an internationally recognised event attracting approximately 23,000 people from more than 55 countries.
For supporters, artists and partners who have been part of the festival’s journey, the anniversary edition is expected to provide an opportunity to reflect on two decades of growth while looking towards the future.
With tickets expected to be released within the coming weeks, the countdown to Bushfire’s 20th anniversary has already begun.
For Thorne, the milestone serves as a reminder of how far the festival has come, not only in terms of attendance, but also in its ability to create cultural connections, support businesses and showcase Eswatini to audiences from around the world.
