House On Fire

"An exploration into temperature of the cultural kind"
Performance Venues & Arena - Eventing Specialists - Studio Gallery


Welcome to House On Fire

Lauded as one of the most eclectic entertainment venues in the world, House On Fire is a fantastical playground of imagination which captivates and inspires. Vast differences of architectural and artistic styles connect in harmony, reinforcing the underlying theme of cultural meeting points. This flexible space allows for large-scale performances, customised events and intimate gatherings.

Highly experienced, well trained staff and our in-house graphic and venue design services ensure excellent project management of an extremely high calibre either in House On Fire or at the venue of your choosing.

If the artistic ambience of House On Fire lights up your soul, our in-house design studio creates pieces of art allowing aficionados to take a piece of the fire home.

House On Fire was founded by brothers Jiggs and Sholto Thorne in 2000. Both possessing a passionate love of art and music, they decided to create a space to grow and develop the arts in the Kingdom of Eswatini (formerly Swaziland).

House On Fire is an architectural fantasy-scape that celebrates the joy of bringing a diversity of people and their cultures together, creating something new and vibrant with every addition. This philosophy permeates every aspect of House On Fire’s activities.

The initial theatre space was designed in collaboration with architect Sarah Calburn. Since then it has evolved into a multi-functional and expanding creative space. Many talented artisans and crafters from across the Kingdom have added their magic and contributed to the continuous evolution that characterises House On Fire, Malandela’s and the surrounding gardens and outside areas. Artist of note, Noah Mdluli, has been a significant contributor to the soapstone sculptures found in the theatre and gardens.

Inspired by unique outsider creation environments, the likes of the Owl House in Nieu Bethesda and the Rock Garden in Chandigarh, India, House On Fire is embellished with symbols and icons from around the world highlighting the ideology of harmony in contrast, and making it one of the most eclectic venues in the world.

House On Fire has since evolved and thrived. Visionary art and programme direction, combined with outstanding technical and logistical planning, has been the key to House On Fire’s running success.

House On Fire and the talented House on Fire eventing team host exceptional functions, promotions and celebrations both onsite and off. Some of our recent notable clients include:

  • Big Game Parks – 50th Birthday Celebration - At Mlilwane 1000pax, setup, sound, catering services
  • Conco – In-house and Offsite hiring 350pax - Year End Functions
  • Inyatsi – In-house - Year End Function (4 years running) - 400pax
  • Stefanutti Stocks – Activations / Year End Functions (4 years running) - 200pax
  • Swaziland Beverages – In-house and Offsite Shows / Activations
  • Swazi Rally – 5 years running all areas - 5000pax


Over the years, House On Fire has established itself as Eswatini’s leading performance arts venue having hosting a multitude of global artists including Hugh Masekela, Lady Smith Black Mambazo, soul singer Joss Stone and South African favorites, Freshlyground. Habib Koite, Dobet Gnahore, Busi Mhlongo (late), Bomba Estereo and Blitz the Ambassador have also graced our stage.

In addition to our individual performance line ups, we have hosted several series events such The Live on the Lawn Series, a quarterly programme featuring top regional performances and are currently hosting The Total Gold Series, a series of 3 events catering for a more mature audience.

In keeping with our mandate for supporting the growth and development of the arts in Eswatini, we have run the Sibebe Friday Night Live Series. Conceptualized in 2010 by House On Fire in association with Swaziland Beverages, Sibebe Friday Night Live has been Eswatini’s premier talent showcase, featuring live music, dance, poetry, DJ’s, interactive arts and fashion from within Eswatini.

This event has, over 5 years, introduced over 70 Swazi acts to the House On Fire stage, as well as attracting over 12,000 attendees to share in this home-grown artistic platform. Previous performers on the Sibebe Friday Night Live stage include a long list of recognized Swazi household names such as Bholoja, Siyinqaba, KrTC, Nomzamo, Nomalungelo, Floewe, Masikane, Qibho Intalektual, Sands, Velemseni, Nomsa M, Amanda Mo, Pelepele, and many more.

Many of our Sibebe Friday Night Live performers found their way to the stage at the annual MTN Bushfire International Festival of the Arts. House on Fire's crowning performance achievement, the MTN Bushfire festival has drawn crowds from all over the world since 2007, convening for three days of multi-layered performances, arts development and social dialogues.

Beginning in 2018, The Standard Bank Luju Food & Lifestyle Festival is a two-day celebration of food, fashion and music that features top chefs from the region. ‘Luju’ means ‘honey’, and this elegant and sophisticated festival is dedicated to all the sweet things in life.
We create your event, within House On Fire or at the venue of your choosing, to fullfill your vision and deliver unforgettable event experiences.
Jiggs Thorne Creative Direction
Sholto Thorne Production and Admin
Carmen Bock Events Manager
Bongani Dlamini Sales & Marketing Manager



Functions & Weddings

FUNCTIONS

A variety of private hire areas within the House On Fire venue and Malandela’s grounds are available, complete with experienced, professional in-house management, catering and a large range of equipment hire services. Malandela’s Gardens are perfect for baby showers, birthdays, bridal showers and other private parties.

WEDDINGS

At House on Fire, we help tailor-make your dreams. Our creative and dedicated team of event management professionals are experts at crafting personalised packages to create the wedding you’ve always imagined, at House On Fire or a venue of your choosing.

Malandela’s Gardens are the setting of choice for out-door weddings, blending the beauty of nature with elegant designs to create an atmosphere of sophistication and charm.




UPCOMING SHOWS

Celebrated as one of the finest, most original performance venues on the subcontinent, House On Fire offers an eclectic year-round entertainment programme featuring an array of music, theatre, dance and poetry attracting top performers both regionally and globally.


MTN Bushfire Festival

2024MAY

MTN Bushfire Festival


Announced by CNN as one of the “7 African music festivals you really have to see”, the MTN Bushfire festival of the Arts is a celebration of all aspects of creative expression, as well as a platform promoting social responsibility, which draws talent and tourists from across Africa and around the world. This three-day event, renowned for eclectic and multi-dimensional programming rooted in world music, boasts a compelling line-up of theatre, poetry, dance, art exhibits & installations, story-telling, puppetry, film, and themed workshops. The festival also features a vibrant handcraft market, family-friendly performances and a dedicated programme in the KidZone.

For more information, please visit www.bush-fire.com.



EQUIPMENT HIRE & EVENTING SERVICES



As one of Eswatini’s leading Events Management Companies, we pride ourselves on hosting exceptionally well-run, seamless events with outstanding performance and unrivalled creativity. Our highly experienced team will be delighted to manage your event at the venue of your choosing. Boasting a large in-house stock of equipment for all aspects of entertaining, we provide smooth, cost effective event execution with professionalism, dedication and attention to detail. Our relationships with other service providers within the industry allow us to cater for ALL aspects of event management with extensive options to suit our clients needs. Tell us what you would like and leave the details to us!

Services

We offer a comprehensive range of eventing services and understand the organizational requirements of events of all sizes.

  • Event Management and Conceptualization
  • Security, Systems and Controls
  • Marketing & Communications Services
  • Graphic Design & Branding Solutions
  • Artist Sourcing & Management (including work permits, tax, transport & accommodation)
  • Photographic Services
  • Full Catering Services

Equipment

Hosting a full complement of Eventing equipment and solutions, we can provide all you require for your event with unique elegance and style.

  • Portable Venue Options
    (Tents & Marquees)
  • Equipment Hire
    (Tables, Chairs, Podiums etc)
  • Professional Sound & Lighting Solutions
  • Stage, Dance Floor and Flooring Solutions
  • Décor Options
  • Full Service and specialized Catering Equipment

Our Eventing Staff

Highly skilled and well trained, our teams know what they are doing to make your event happen in style.

  • Professional Promotions Staffing
  • Catering Teams
  • Bar Staffing
  • Security Staffing



House On Fire STUDIO

House On Fire studio artwork begins with a vision, a story that needs to be told, a feeling that finds its expression through the grain of the wood or the mark of a chisel. Often humorous or tranquil, loud or questioning, the process and final product display an inseparability of myth and reality that is reflected in the surrounding spaces and events. Of particular importance to the works is the sensitive use of locally sourced materials. Wooden pieces are made from invasive trees, and soapstone is quarried from the highveld of Eswatini, where it lies in abundance.
For more information or to discuss current works, please contact Jiggs at jiggs@house-on-fire.com

Lego Love

Lego Love

Technics

Technics

If the Shoe Fits...

If the Shoe Fits...

Sista Sofa

Sista Sofa

Feather Boa

Feather Boa

Election Circus

Election Circus

Turn on the Light

Turn on the Light

Still Life with Eve

Still Life with Eve




ACCOMMODATION & TRAVEL




A short walk from House On Fire through beautiful indigenous gardens, Malandela's B & B offers a variety of en suite accommodation. Each room has a unique style with attention to structural and interior detail. The look is Afro Chic and the décor is a fusion of contemporary simplicity and natural or upcycled materials. Guests have swimming pool access and are treated to a delicious breakfast.
For more information and booking contact bookings@malandelas.com





Adjacent to House On Fire, you will find a number of world-class handcraft shops, a farmhouse restaurant & pub with sweeping views of the Malkerns Valley and the All Out Internet Café with a tourist information centre to help you with regional bookings and provide guests with extensive local knowledge and recommendations on activities. The restaurant faces the fabulous garden sculptures adjacent to the House On Fire Performance Venue and Sculpture Gallery.



House On Fire LOCATION

House On Fire is 23km from the capital city, Mbabane, and is a short 14km from Ezulwini Valley. GPS coordinates- Elevation 756m – S 26’ 29.881  E031’ 13.110.

Driving Directions

• Turn to Amsterdam after Carolina Railway
• Enter Eswatini through Oshoek borderpost and stay on the highway past Mbabane and down the Malagwane hill taking the first off-ramp to Ezulwini and the MR103.
• Drive through Ezulwini for +-15km and turn right at Mahlanya Market.
• 1 km further on you will find House On Fire.
Please note* – If you are coming from JHB please input your desired border post as a waypoint – otherwise you may end up taking the long way round and find a closed border post.

• Take the N2 to Golela/Lavumisa borderpost and follow signs to Manzini.
• Go straight through Manzini onto the highway towards Mbabane.
• At Matsapha, take the off-ramp (after the airport off-ramp) to the roundabout and take the second turning to Malkerns on the MR103.
• Travel for +-9km and turn left at Mahlanya Market.
• We recommend crossing at Goba Border post. Lomahasha is also an opiton.
• From Goba, follow the signs to Manzini.
• Go straight through Manzini onto the highway towards Mbabane.
• At Matsapha, take the off-ramp (after the airport off-ramp) to the roundabout and take the second turning to Malkerns on the MR103.
• Travel for +-9km and turn left at Mahlanya Market.


Contact Us

We look forward to hearing from you!

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  • Address

    Malkerns Valley, Kingdom of Eswatini

  • Postal Address

    P.O. Box 93, Malkerns, Eswatini

  • Phone

    (+268) 2528 2110

  • Email
    info@house-on-fire.com