A new wave of talent is emerging from one of the smallest countries in Africa – the tiny Kingdom of Swaziland. Bholoja, a major new player on the African soul scene (and currently on an epic 16-country tour) started his career singing at House on Fire, a wonderfully unique arts venue in the Ezulwini Valley. At this fantastical Afro-Shakespearean castle, one of Africa’s top entertainment venues, the country has witnessed the rise of a new arts scene.
Through major House on Fire concerts, including the highly acclaimed Bushfire Festival, local artists such as Bholoja and new all-female diva group Temaswati, are being provided a platform to develop and showcase their talent, as well as exposing a nation to world-class artists such as Hugh Masekela, Ladysmith Black Mabazo and Freshly Ground.
“Talent is everywhere, and, given the space, you can start to create your own language,” says House on Fire director and Bushfire founder Jiggs Thorne, an experienced artist with a passion and vision for the development of the Swazi arts.
