“Trump Caused This!”: Eswatini Men Embrace Zulu Culture at Bushfire Festival With Traditional Dance

• A group of Eswatini men were spotted learning traditional Zulu dance moves from a black woman instructor at the MTN Bushfire Festival, eagerly embracing the cultural experience
• The heartwarming scene was shared by content creator @banele_wjlm on 1 June, showing how South Africa's diverse cultures continue to blend at major festivals and events
• South Africans had mixed reactions to the cultural exchange, with some finding it beautiful and others making jokes about the changing social dynamics in the country

A group of Eswatini men caught attention at the MTN Bushfire Festival held in Eswatini when they were filmed learning traditional Zulu dance moves from a black woman instructor.

Content creator @banele_wjlm shared the heartwarming video on 1 June, showing the men dressed in traditional Zulu attire and eagerly participating in the cultural lesson. The scene perfectly captured the spirit of unity and cultural exchange that the festival is known for.

The men appeared excited and genuinely interested in learning the dance steps, embracing the opportunity to connect with Zulu culture in an authentic way. Their enthusiasm and respect for the tradition created a touching moment that resonated with many South Africans online.

MTN Bushfire brings cultures together

The MTN Bushfire International Festival of the Arts has been creating these magical cultural moments since 2007. Held annually on the last weekend of May in the beautiful farmlands of Malkerns, Eswatini, the festival welcomes over 20,000 people from more than 60 nations. The BBC named it the "Top African festival" and CNN listed it as one of the "7 African music festivals you really have to see."

The festival's motto #BRINGYOURFIRE encourages people to contribute their energy, spirit, passion, and drive to make a positive difference. This philosophy creates an atmosphere of tolerance and unity where cultural exchanges like the Zulu dance lesson happen naturally. The festival celebrates the finest music in Africa and beyond, creating a space where different cultures can meet, learn from each other, and form meaningful connections.

For many attendees, these cultural interactions are often the most memorable part of the festival experience. The opportunity to learn traditional dances, try different foods, and engage with diverse communities creates lasting memories and breaks down cultural barriers.

Watch the TikTok clip below:

Mzansi reacts with mixed feelings

South Africans had varied reactions to the cultural exchange, with comments ranging from amusement to concern about cultural preservation.

@innocentiaphilisi joked:

"Bad things are happening in South Africa 😂😂"

@scara found humour in the situation:

"Ayi, things are charged in South Africa 🤣🤣🤣"

@duduzile offered a political perspective:

"I think Trump has caused unity, and yet his plan was to make us fight👌"

@thabo_gav shared festival wisdom:

"Bushfire isn't a real place 🤞🏾😂😂, the things one sees there... Mara monate wateng 👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻"

@111159 appreciated the moment:

"This is so beautiful 🤣🤣🤣"

@kanyisam expressed concern about cultural ownership:

"In 10 years, they will say this attire belongs to them, they discovered and invented wara wara."

3 other stories of cultural crossover in SA

• Briefly News recently reported on a white man speaking isiZulu and eating gizzards with pap, but what he said during his meal had South Africans in stitches.
• A city makoti was sent to collect water from the river in her new village home, but her creative solution had everyone calling her a "rich aunt."
• An Afrikaner gentleman riding in a taxi shocked fellow passengers when he made an unexpected request that had everyone laughing out loud.

Source: Briefly News