MTN Bushfire’s legacy of advancing local arts development and facilitating access to global markets for Swati creatives is taking centre stage through its support for Eswatini Afro House duo, Tribal Natives’ performance at the inaugural FuTopia festival in Zanzibar from 29 to 31 August, 2025.
Tribal Natives’ performance at FuTopia, an urban lifestyle festival established by Busara Promotions and curated by the organisers of Sauti za Busara, reinforces the power of collaboration in supporting arts mobility and cross-cultural connections.
This marks yet another dynamic outcome of the ongoing partnership between MTN Bushfire and Sauti za Busara which kicked off this year with a knowledge and cultural exchange initiative between the festivals’ teams.
Tribal Natives have been crafting a sonic revolution that has ignited local stages with rhythm, soul, fashion and storytelling. The visionary duo behind this bold expression of music, identity, rebirth, DJ Ash and Nelsonx, will hoist their signature unapologetic celebration of Eswatini’s creative pulse at FuTopia.
Fresh off a string of electrifying performances at local profile events such as the MTN Bushfire festival and the Standard Bank Luju Food & Lifestyle Festival, the duo promises a high-energy set that reflects their cultural identity and sonic evolution.
More than just a performance, Tribal Natives’ invitation to be part of the FuTopia lineup is a bold recognition of the duo’s role in shaping the future of Afro House and Afro Tech. This represents a sonic bridge between Eswatini and Zanzibar, while offering a cultural meeting point for tradition and innovation.
MTN Bushfire’s partnership with Busara Promotions – the organisers behind Sauti za Busara and FuTopia – fuels the shared vision to elevate the arts across Africa and create platforms for emerging artists to thrive. This collaboration also serves a tangible reference and inspiring model for other festivals across Africa. It is a declaration of the boundless possibilities and meaningful progress that emerge when we unite and uplift the voices that carry our culture forward.
Meet the Architects of Afro House’s Future
- DJ Ash: A fearless female selector whose genre-defying sets have redefined Afrotech in Eswatini. Her rise since 2023 has been meteoric, and her influence continues to expand with each performance.
- Nelsonx: A producer and DJ whose Swati-Mozambican roots infuse his sound with depth and dynamism. His ability to fuse Pop, EDM, and Afrohouse into emotionally resonant sets makes him a standout voice in the genre.
To all Emaswati living in Zanzibar, traveling in East Africa, or supporting from home, this is your moment to rally behind your own.
Attend FuTopia in person if you’re in Zanzibar and represent Eswatini’s vibrant spirit. Follow the journey on Tribal Natives’ social media (@tribalnativesmusic) for behind-the-scenes content, live updates, and exclusive footage. Amplify the movement by sharing, reposting, and celebrating every milestone, because every voice adds to the chorus of cultural pride.
FuTopia Zanzibar by Busara Promotions
A new festival organised by Busara Promotions and curated by the team behind the internationally acclaimed Sauti za Busara festival, FuTopia is a bold, vibrant three-day urban festival that celebrates creativity, culture, and the lifestyle of tomorrow. Set in the visionary Fumba Town, FuTopia transforms everyday spaces into dynamic hubs of music, upcycled fashion, tech, food, art, sports, and innovation. It is a space where imagination meets action, and community drives aspirations for a better, more sustainable future. Tickets to Futopia can be purchased on their website: https://futopia.africa/
