By Nontokozo Gwebu
The MTN Bushfire 2025 festival has officially sold out, marking the 13th consecutive year that one of Africa’s premier music and arts festivals has reached full capacity ahead of time.
The announcement comes a week ahead of the much-anticipated event, scheduled to take place from 30 May to 1 June at House on Fire in Malkerns, Eswatini. Simon Dawson, Communications Officer at House on Fire, says the overwhelming response reflects the festival’s growing international appeal and the continued loyalty of its fans.
“We are incredibly grateful to our Fire Starters for the consistent support,” Dawson said. “MTN Bushfire is more than a festival – it’s a movement built on creativity, unity, and sustainability. The sell-out once again shows how this experience resonates with people around the world.”
Named by CNN as one of the “7 African music festivals you have to see” and winner of the Most Responsible Event Award at the WTM African Responsible Tourism Awards, MTN Bushfire continues to distinguish itself through its multidisciplinary programming.
With tickets no longer available through official platforms, organizers are urging fans to avoid third-party sellers due to the risks of fraud and ticket duplication. Instead, they recommend using the official Howler Ticket Resale platform, which offers a secure space for those looking to buy or sell pre-owned tickets. The resale service can be accessed via: https://mtnbushfire.howler.co.za/event/mtn-bushfire-2025-73c9
“For seamless entry into the festival arena, beat the queues and get your festival wristband from Tuesday, 27th May,” Dawson advised.
Full Festival Golden Lounge, Main Arena, and Children’s ticketholders can get their wristbands at any of the following locations:
- MTN Service Centre at (Corporate Place, Mbabane): 28 May (9am-4.30pm), 29 May (9am-2pm)
- Shaks Cellular (The Gables, Ezulwini): 28 May (9am-4.30pm), 29 May (10am-1pm).
- MTN Service Centre (Manzini Lifestyle Center): 28 May (9am-4.30pm), 29 May (9am-2pm).
- House on Fire (Malandela’s Lifestyle Centre, Malkerns): 27 May (10am-6pm), 28 May (8.30am-6pm), 29 May (8.30am-8pm).
Wristbands will be distributed in person only and must not be removed or tampered with, as doing so may result in loss of access to the festival. All wristbands are valid from 30 May to 1 June 2025.
For more information, one can visit the MTN Bushfire website: www.bush-fire.com and follow @mtnbushfire on Facebook, Instagram, and X for real-time updates.