*Press Release | MTN Bushfire Firefly Applications Now Open!* By Staff Reporter THN | 11/02/2025 | Malkerns MTN Bushfire is elated to announce that applications are officially open for the 8th edition of the MTN Bushfire Firefly, Eswatini’s leading music talent competition for the #younggiftedfree. Aspiring vocalists, singers, and rappers aged between 16 and 35 years have the chance to submit their music recordings and be considered for a live performance at the renowned MTN Bushfire Festival from 30 May to 1 June, 2025. MTN Bushfire Firefly celebrates the originality and passion of Eswatini’s young trailblazers. The competition encourages artists to showcase their musical creativity and lyrical authenticity. Submissions are to be made through the Firefly page on the MTN Bushfire website by Friday, 7 March, 2025. Applicants need to submit two music tracks and an Electronic Press Kit (EPK) or bio in PDF format or via a web link. Since its inception in 2017, MTN Bushfire Firefly has unearthed and promoted over 100 emerging artists, providing them with a credible platform to reach wide audiences. The competition aims to foster positive social and environmental change through its "Bring Your Fire" initiative, creating sustained access to the arts for Eswatini’s youth. Each year, 20 artists are selected and promoted across MTN Bushfire’s social media platforms and affiliate festival platforms, enhancing their visibility and reach. Public voting determines the Top 10 artists, who then perform live at the MTN Bushfire Firefly Grand Finale on 24 April, 2025. The Top 3 winners receive exciting prizes, career opportunities, and the coveted performance slot at the MTN Bushfire Festival. The final adjudication process combines expert industry judges and public online votes, with voting conducted via the MTN Bushfire Firefly channel on the AYOBA app. Personalized MTN Pulse data bundles are available for purchase to facilitate streaming and voting throughout the series. https://www.facebook.com/100063848179715/posts/pfbid0ar8EtfBvq3cZqsMq8aLgihqMa5dQS2BZHYjLW7cwfuQ8F4UgZPzSvbGCFfix58o1l/