New Act

Muzart has grown into one of the most talked about acts in South Africa.

Their self-titled debut album was nominated for two Samas, including the Best RnB, Soul and Reggae award and Newcomer of the Year award. They are set to perform at MTN Bushfire at the end of the month. The quintet includes: Rorisang Thandekiso, Victor Chauke, Nkanyiso Khanyile, son of Jabu Khanyile, Sol Mosetle and Tshegofatso Lehutso.

I caught up with four-fifths of the band (Lehutso could not make it) to discuss their music.

How would you describe your music?

RT: Basically Pharrell [Williams] stole our idea [laughs]. He released one [happy] song, we have a whole album of them.

SM: We are definitely influenced by funk and old-school house. Think Earth Wind and Fire funk.

VC: We want a sound that puts smiles on people's faces.

Has being the son of Jabu Khanyile (the late Afro-pop Bayete band leader) helped or hindered you?

NK: In a way it has helped. I've learnt a lot about what music is through him.

Is Bushfire your first major festival?

RT: We've done other festivals before but never with so many international artists sharing the stage.

What do you think of the state of the South African music industry?

NK: Back in the day everyone used to have the same mission and vision. With democracy people have branched out so much.

Book Now!

Bushfire features music, art, dance, theatre, poetry and circus performers as it looks to social responsibility and Swazi arts and culture. The festival in Swaziland attracts a diverse crop of international musical acts . This year's lineup includes :

Akale Wube (France): Quintet plays a pretty brand of Ethiopian music.

Christine Salem (Reunion): Accompanied on a kayanm, Salem mixes music from the Indian Ocean with African rhythms.

Dan Patlansky (South Africa): Folk guitarist.

Fuel Fandago (Spain): Organic dance songs.

Imperial Tiger Orchestra (Switzerland): Modern Ethiopian music.

Kiwi & The Papaya Mangoes (Japan): New dance sounds out of Tokyo.

• From May 30 to June 1; R150-R950. Visit www.bush-fire.com