Youth talent on show at EU Bushfire Schools Festival in Eswatini

The festival, which brought together high school learners from all corners of Eswatini, both rural and urban schools as well pupils with special needs and out-of-school youth clubs, raised the curtain for the main MTN Bushfire Festival, Eswatini’s internationally-acclaimed music festival which took place on 29 – 31 May 2026 at House on Fire.

Throughout the action-packed day, the enthusiastic learners participated in an array of art performances including dances, poetry, theatre, fashion show and many other languages of art.

EU in Eswatini

The learners performed under the theme: ‘Art in Action. Future in the Making’, which emphasised the transformative power of art in helping to stimulate creativity and innovation.

In his opening remarks, European Union (EU) Ambassador to Eswatini, Karsten Mecklenburg, touched on this, saying creativity and innovation are skills that are much valued in all aspect of life, particularly in the learners’ future life in the labour market.

The Ambassador added that art can also open opportunities for careers, saying the festival could be a springboard for many learners to unleash their future careers in the art industry like others who are already earning their livelihoods in the art industry after having participated in this annual event.

EU in Eswatini

He said this was the reason why the EU is happy to continue supporting this schools festival, which has become popular among the youth of this country.

Also speaking on the same occasion, the Minister of Education and Training, Own Nxumalo, underscored the role of arts in human development, saying arts can help shape one’s future. The Minister thanked the EU for supporting the schools festival, thus helping emaSwati youth to discover themselves through the arts.