MTN Firefly is calling for artist entries, setting the stage for another high-energy search for Eswatini’s next wave of performers. The long-running talent platform, known for giving young artists their first major push into the industry, returns for its ninth edition with a clear message: the country’s next big act could be someone who decides to step forward today.
A signature part of the MTN Bushfire ecosystem, Firefly has built a reputation for discovering artists right at the start of their musical journey, before the big stages, before the major collaborations, before the co-signs. This year’s call is open to vocalists, singers and rappers aged 16 to 35, with submissions accepted from 3 December 2025 to 30 January 2026.
Speaking on the return of the platform, MTN Bushfire’s Communications Manager, Phiwo Dlamini, says the heart of Firefly has always been its commitment to nurturing early talent and giving young creatives a fair shot.
“Firefly continues to be that space where young artists can come as they are—raw, hopeful and ready to grow—and find a real opportunity to be seen,” Dlamini explains. “Every year we witness incredible stories of artists who arrive with nothing but potential and walk away with a clearer path into the industry. That is why this platform matters.”
The competition’s biggest highlight remains the prize: the Top 3 artists will perform live on the Firefly Stage at the 19th edition of MTN Bushfire, taking place from 29–31 May 2026. For up-and-coming artists, sharing a festival lineup with some of the region’s best performers is an unmatched career-building moment. Winners also walk away with a CallerTunez onboarding deal, mobile devices from MTN Eswatini, and invitations to connect with industry leaders at the MTN Bushfire Arts Round Table.
IOver 160 young artists have taken part in Firefly since it began, and more than 120 have used the platform to move their careers forward on local stages, across Southern Africa and, in some cases, globally. Alumni include Symphony, Mandisa Mamba, Mzwaa, Sarnilo, MNation, Ace Julz and Cheistar, all of whom built early recognition through Firefly. Their journeys continue to shape how young musicians view the competition: not just as a moment, but as a genuine stepping stone.
To enter, artists must submit an updated Electronic Press Kit through the MTN Bushfire website. The EPK must include a short artist bio, a high-quality press photo and two to three of their best tracks or performance videos, shared through streaming links. Applicants are urged to organise their materials clearly—either in a single downloadable PDF or a clean Google Drive/Dropbox folder. Judges will be assessing the creativity, uniqueness and overall quality of each submission, so artists are encouraged to put real effort into how they present themselves.
Once submissions close, the competition rolls out in stages. Judges select the Top 20, who then face a public vote to determine which artists make it into the Top 10. That group will compete live at the Firefly Grand Finale on Friday, 24 April 2026 at House On Fire. The final Top 3 will be chosen through a combination of audience votes and judges’ scores.
Dlamini says the growth of Firefly over the years reflects the hunger and talent already present in the country.
“Every young artist deserves a space that takes them seriously, and Firefly is exactly that. We are excited to see who steps up this year, because Eswatini has never lacked for talent opportunities.”
As the countdown begins, MTN Bushfire encourages fans and artists to follow its social media channels for updates, behind-the-scenes content and important information leading up to the finale.
Full details and applications are available at: www.bush-fire.com/firefly
