By Sizwe Dlamini
In an amazing display of musical talent and youthful exuberance, the MTN Bushfire Firefly finale lit up the stage for 2024, offering a platform for Eswatini’s rising stars to shine at House on Fire.
The music talent competition which has already empowered and unearthed more than one hundred upcoming artists was performed in the presence of the Honourable Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs, Bongani Nzima, Chief Marketing Officer of MTN Eswatini Desire Ruhinguka, and excited members of the public.
Sponsored by MTN Eswatini, the MTN Bushfire Firefly has long been revered as one of the most anticipated events on the kingdom’s cultural calendar. With a legacy of launching the careers of talented artists and providing a springboard for potential international acclaim.
The competition which is a beacon of opportunity for young musicians across Eswatini who wish to further their careers, gives its winners the chance to perform on the converted MTN Bushfire Valentines stage.
The 2024 edition of the event was hosted by, song artists Zee and Temma and featured performances from ten out of the original twenty music artists to be judged by three discerning judges Mozaik the Producer, Msimisi, and Layer, Bushfire hostess GG.
Not to be left out members of the crowd also voted for their favourite performances using MTN’s Ayoba App which could be downloaded on-site using pre-installed WiFi services.
The event not only captivated audiences at House on Fire but also online as it was streamed live on YouTube for viewers around the world to enjoy, as the young artists performed three of their best songs.
Members of the crowd were treated to a spectrum of music from soulful vocalists to afro-pop with each artist bringing their unique style and fire to the stage, captivating audiences and judges alike with their talent.
As the final was reached the winners were announced, namely soulful songstress Stella Jacobs, afro-pop sensation Fisiwe, and Hip-hop Kwaito artist Ohtomn Sally.
However, as excited crowd members could agree all ten artists who performed on the stage were winners in their own right receiving much-needed exposure and experience on stage.
It was further revealed that all twenty of the artists who were selected for the competition initially will participate at the MTN Bush Fire round table to network with music industry experts, the media, and other artists.