Times Of Swaziland: MTN BUSHFIRE TOPS AGAIN!

MTN BUSHFIRE TOPS AGAIN!
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 BY NONDUMISO MSIBI   on 11/01/2019 00:51:00


MBABANE - MTN BUSHFIRE has been validated as one of the world’s crème de la
crème festival.
Second time in a row, the MTN BUSHFIRE Festival has made it into the list of the
Top 300 Best festivals in the world.
Sitting at an impressive number 30, it has come out tops, beating festivals like
the world renowned World Buskers Festival, Yemaya Festival and more.
The EverFest Best World Festival list selects 300 festivals across the globe but
only the top 30 festivals are considered as winners. MTN BUSHFIRE been randomly
placed with other festivals in the top 30 list.
Such accolades are not new to the festival as it has won the African Best
Responsible Event Award in 2017, CNN’s ‘7 African music festivals you really
have to see’ and listed by BBC as a ‘Top African Festival’.
Everfest, a USA-based festival market platform and club, made the announcement
last Wednesday night. Each year, 10 per cent of the annual list is voted in by
the international festival community.
Everfest uses a unique platform where a tech company based in the USA works with
premier festival partners and industry insiders. Together they engage festival
fans through Everfest Premium, the world’s first members club for festival
enthusiasts featuring exclusive perks, essential gear and expert advice.
Festival Director Jiggs Thorne expressed his delight in this latest accolade.
Thrilled
“We are thrilled to be included in this prestigious list. Our inclusion
validates our vision to be an inclusive uniquely African, and yet globally
infused festival of the arts.
“We will continue to push our mandate that welcomes thousands of people in an
atmosphere of tolerance and passionate commitment to music, the arts, and the
environment,” said Thorne.
He also thanked the service provider for giving the best services which
contributed to the recognition of the festival.
Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture CEO Stanley Dlamini applauded the
MTN BUSHFIRE organising committee, stating that this was an indicator that
Eswatini was moving towards First World status.
“Eswatini is positively known by the international community for its culture.
Culture is art and MTN BUSHFIRE has enhanced the exposure of the country to the
world through the arts.
“This accolade should be an encouragement for the MTN BUSHFIRE team to ensure
that the festival claims the number one spot in such listings,” said Dlamini.
Dlamini further encouraged the government to invest in the arts and promote them
as they contribute to the country’s economy.
Speaking on behalf of MTN BUSHFIRE festival-goers, Lusolotja Ginindza said this
recognition was inevitable.
“Getting such recognition twice in a row is still nothing compared to what
this festival is yet to achieve. Winning will be the second name for MTN
BUSHFIRE,” said Ginindza.