MTN Bushfire is proud to have secured one of eSwatini’s most loved artists a slot on the coveted IGODA Southern African Music Festival Circuit that will see him touring throughout the region in 2019.

Sands has graced the MTN Bushfire main stage multiple times to rapturous support and with the support of MTN Bushfire, he will now take his rightful place on other major festivals stages across Southern Africa on the IGODA circuit.

Igoda is a Zulu word that means “knot” or “to bind together” and this definition reflects the unique collaboration that brings together the finest music festivals in Southern Africa to create one of the first touring circuits on the African continent.

Born out of the MTN Bushfire Firefest Route, the circuit is a partnership that encompasses five regional festivals including: Azgo Festival (Maputo, Mozambique), Bassline Fest (Johannesburg, South Africa), MTN Bushfire (Malkerns, eSwatini), Zakifo Festival (Durban, South Africa), and Sakifo Festival (Saint-Pierre, Reunion Island.)

These festivals will work together in facilitating the movement of artists within the region, thereby exposing them to different audiences. MTN Bushfire will ensure that eSwatini artists are well represented on an annual basis.

Sands will be in great company on the circuit amongst the other confirmed touring artists; Meute (Germany), Alibombo (Colombia), Oliver Mtukudzi (Zimbabwe), Mandla Mlangeni (South Africa), Maia & The Big Sky (Kenya), Eme & Moonchild (Nigeria & South Africa), Dobet Gnahore (Cote d’Ivoire), Granmah (Mozambique), Lindigo ( Reunion Island),

Igoda Member Festivals

AZGO Festival Maputo Mozambique 16 – 18 May 2019

Mozambique’s finest international arts festival; bringing together a diverse and quality program of music, film, and dance to the city of Maputo across two days and nights. Azgo is a contemporary celebration of arts and culture, with a strong focus on artists from Mozambique and from around the continent of Africa. The name “Azgo” is old slang from Maputo to say “let´s go”, let’s revisit our cultures and heritage, “let´s go” promote cultural diversity, “let’s go” promote the arts and culture, Let´s Go…

Bassline Fest Johannesburg South Africa 23 – 25 May 2019

Bassline’s annual Bassline Fest – Celebrating Africa Day, is one of Africa’s biggest celebrations of African contemporary music. The Concert is held annually on the closest Saturday to the official AU Africa Day of celebration on the 25th May. Hosted at Constitution Hill, in the heart of Jozi and the beacon of our much cherished democracy, this concert has developed over the years from the Newtown Precinct to Constitution Hill. Established in 2003, this event is a world class production featuring a star-studded lineup that sees some of the continent’s biggest acts take to the stage, such as Ishmael Lo, D’banj, Salif Keita, Femi Kuti & Oliver Mtukudzi, to name a few, as well as providing a platform for new artists breaking onto the contemporary African music scene.
new.bassline.co.za

MTN Bushfire Malkerns, Eswatini 24 – 26 May 2019

More than a festival, this living, breathing creative ecosystem deeply rooted in African soil, is best known for its inclusivity, welcoming approximately 26,000 guests from over 60 countries in an atmosphere of tolerance. Its “Bring Your Fire” call to action promotes a passionate commitment to music, the arts and the environment, inviting all fans of music, the arts, cultural exploration and environmental sustainability to become part of the thriving community

Winner: Best Responsible Event – African Responsible Tourism Awards 2017

SAKIFO Music Festival Saint-Pierre Reunion Island 7 – 9 June 2019

Sakifo is the longest-running music event in Reunion’s cultural landscape, eagerly awaited by local festival-goers. An eclectic line-up will gather on southern Saint-Pierre’s shores, including top-notch international acts. Second weekend of June should already be in your schedule!
www.sakifo.com

ZAKIFO Music Festival, Durban South Africa 24 May – 2 June 2019

Zakifo is a showcase of artists at the forefront of sound from across the globe. Now in it’s fifth year, the festival moves across two weeks including multiple venues, events and non-stop music. Running from 24 May to 2 June, the programme will incorporate many local venues and festival sites.
www.zakifo.com