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Swaziland’s international festival of the arts will take place from May 30 to June 1 this year. The annual festival, which features artists from over 10 African countries as well as a number of international performers, is a celebration of live music, theatre, poetry, film, circus, dance and visual arts.
Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Spoek Mathambo, Mtukudzi, Muzart and Bongo Maffin are some of the big acts who will be headlining the event at the end of this month.

Festival goers will also get to experience a contemporary art exhibition titled ‘‘Swaziland NOW!’’ which sees local and international visual artists “bringing their fire” and exploring the issues of contemporary Swaziland.

The Bushfire festival which began in 2006 endures much criticism every year from activists who believe that artists should boycott the event in protest against the Swazi kingdom’s government policies.

In response to such protests, the festival has also introduced “The Barn,” a place where politics and social issues are discussed during the three days.

All proceeds from the festival will be donated to charity. — Sowetan.