Africa-Press – Eswatini. MTN Bushfire’s CollaboNation 2025 is turning up the volume with a powerful musical fusion featuring three iconic African artists: Madala Kunene, Sibusile Xaba, and Tlale Makhene.
Now in its latest edition, CollaboNation is more than just a collaboration—it’s a cultural movement. Spearheaded by Bushfire Records and proudly supported by MTN, this annual arts development project connects African artists across genres, generations, and borders to create something uniquely unforgettable. This year, the spotlight shines on a trio of musical trailblazers whose distinct sounds are set to spark magic in the studio and on stage.
Fans can follow this dynamic journey as the artists come together to record a brand-new track at the iconic House On Fire in Eswatini. Expect raw in-studio footage, behind-the-scenes content, and artist reflections—all leading up to a live premiere on the global stage of MTN Bushfire Festival, running from May 30 to June 1, 2025. The final track will also drop on all major streaming platforms shortly after the performance.
Meet the Masters:
Madala Kunene, dubbed the King of Zulu Guitar, is a towering figure in South African music. Born in Durban’s historic Cato Manor in 1947, Kunene’s music is rooted in the township’s vibrant culture and struggle. His soul-stirring guitar work and powerful storytelling earned him an honorary Doctorate in Music from the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
Sibusile Xaba brings a spiritual and avant-garde edge to the mix. Known for transforming traditional Maskandi with an improvisational, dreamlike style, Xaba’s music isn’t just heard—it’s felt. Blending vocal invocations with expressive fingerpicking, he channels ancestral energies into every performance.
Tlale Makhene, a percussion powerhouse from Eswatini, adds a rhythmic heartbeat to the collaboration. Influenced by the sacred drumming of his traditional healer grandmother, Makhene has toured globally and worked with African music royalty like Miriam Makeba, Johnny Clegg, and Hugh Masekela. His sound fuses jazz, African spirituality, and deep soul.
Together, these artists promise a cross-generational sonic experience that weaves together the past, present, and future of African music.
Get your front-row seat to this creative adventure by following CollaboNation on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter (@CollaboNation_), and subscribing to the CollaboNation YouTube channel for exclusive content, artist interviews, and live updates.
For more details on the project and festival line-up, head to: www.bush-fire.com/collabonation
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