Maputo – Four standout names in contemporary Mozambican music, 340ml, Assa Matusse, Lenna Bahule, and Samito (SAM.IITO), have been officially announced as the country’s representatives at the 18th edition of the Bushfire Festival, one of the continent’s most iconic cultural events, set to take place in the Kingdom of Eswatini.
The announcement was made on Wednesday morning during a press conference held at Rádio Moçambique in Maputo, where Jiggs Thorne, Director of the Bushfire Festival, emphasised that “Mozambique’s participation has long been a vital anchor in building creative bridges between countries in the region, and this year will be no different.”
Mozambique’s presence at the festival is part of an ongoing regional collaboration between the Bushfire and AZGO festivals, which strengthens artistic exchanges and visibility for national talent on international stages.
340ml: A bold fusion of sound and Mozambican identity
Originally from Maputo, the band 340ml was formed in Johannesburg by four Mozambican friends and is known for its rich fusion of reggae, dub, jazz, and Afrobeat. With Pedro da Silva Pinto (vocals), Tiago Correia-Paulo (guitar), Paulo Chibanga (drums), and Rui Soeiro (bass), the band has become an alternative music icon in Africa. Their acclaimed albums Moving and Sorry for the Delay remain cultural milestones, cementing their influence across generations.
Assa Matusse: Tradition reimagined through a woman’s voice
Based in Paris, Assa Matusse is one of Mozambique’s most promising female voices. Born and raised in the Maputo suburb of Mavalane, she blends traditional rhythms such as marrabenta and tufo with global genres like pop, jazz, and electronic music. A committed advocate for girls’ rights and urban safety, Assa returns to the stage with her latest album Mutchangana, which celebrates her roots while envisioning a more just and inclusive society.
Lenna Bahule: Ancestral voice and performative depth
Lenna Bahule brings one of the most distinctive voices in Mozambique’s contemporary arts scene. A singer, composer, and multidisciplinary performer, she uses the voice as a primary instrument and medium for collective memory. Drawing from African vocal traditions and performance art, Lenna’s work has reached audiences across Brazil and Europe. At Bushfire, she promises a powerful performance where body, voice, and spirituality converge in a deep cultural expression.
SAM.IITO (Samito): Sonic vanguardism with Afro-diasporic roots
Based in Montreal, SAM.IITO, formerly known as Samito, has become a recognised figure in global electronic music. His career includes appearances at major festivals such as MUTEK, SXSW, and Reeperbahn, along with international collaborations and awards like the ADISQ Félix Award. With his Magnum Dopus project, he blends African log drum elements with Montreal’s electronic soundscape, delivering immersive performances grounded in Afro-futurism and narrative experimentation.
Speaking to the press, Jiggs Thorne stated: “These artists represent the very best of what Mozambique has to offer, innovation, authenticity, and a profound connection to their roots. The Bushfire Festival is a celebration of African diversity, and Mozambique holds a place of honour within it.”
Held annually in Malkerns, Eswatini, the Bushfire Festival attracts thousands of attendees from across the globe and is known for its inclusive, sustainable, and socially conscious programming.
With 340ml, Assa Matusse, Lenna Bahule, and SAM.IITO on stage, Mozambique brings to the world a constellation of artistic talent that reflects the country’s cultural richness and growing leadership in Africa’s creative landscape.
