“FUSHION Fest is more than a festival — it reflects the youthful vibrancy and diversity of the Rainbow Nation, bringing together music, fashion and art in a celebration of shared expression,” says the excited Rajesh Gupta, CEO of Mahindra South Africa.
If you thought the first edition had you in stitches, then prepare yourself for a mother of all parties on March 7 at Sun Bet Arena, Pretoria, for the second instalment of Mahindra Fusion Fest.
“The response to the first edition reaffirmed that when cultures, ideas and generations come together, the impact extends far beyond a single moment.
As Mahindra moves deeper into its third decade in South Africa, Fusion Fest 2026 builds on that foundation — growing in ambition and collaboration, driven by the belief that we rise strongest when we rise together,” boasted Gupta, as preparations are in full swing.
The fest will feature four genre-defying fusion performances, each crafted to reflect South Africa’s past, present and future, each will be paired with immersive fashion designers and cutting-edge graphic artists to seamlessly fuse every element, creating a one-of-a-kind lifestyle festival unlike anything seen before.
FUSION 1: REWIND THE REVOLUTION
THE MUSIC: Zöe Modiga leads a nostalgic musical journey from 1994 to now, joined by legends Mafikizolo, Kurt Darren and Claire Johnston in a tribute to the sounds that shaped a nation.
THE FASHION: Imprint (Mzukisi Mbane)
THE ART: Multidisciplinary Durban born artist Shaun ‘Damn Vandal’ Oakley Vandal is celebrated for his bold pop art style, blending graffiti and digital illustration across vibrant works ranging from sneaker customisation to car spraying.
FUSION 2 – HIP HOP MOST HIGH
THE MUSIC: BLXKIE and Maglera Doe Boy collide with the Tshwane Gospel Choir in a goosebump-inducing blend of hip hop and spiritual praise.
THE FASHION: The Bam Collective (Jacques Bam)
THE ART: Award-winning illustrator and motion designer Ndumiso Nyoni is well known for a distinctive style that fuses traditional African themes with contemporary youth culture and trends.
FUSION 3 – FEMME FOR ALL
THE MUSIC: A powerhouse, girl-powered performance featuring Naledi Aphiwe, Karen Zoid, Nomfundo Moh and Mariechan, celebrating women across generations and genres.
THE ART: Internationally renowned director and visual artist Inka Kendzia’s work spans motion design for film and immersive new-media artworks exploring the body, memory, and our connection to nature.
FUSION 4 – ALL ABOUT NOW
THE MUSIC: Youth icons Zee Nxumalo, Focalistic and Daliwonga deliver a contemporary amapiano-driven showcase rooted firmly in the now, with eyes on tomorrow.
THE FASHION: Munkus (Thando Ntuli)
THE ART: Cape Town born mural artist and illustrator Bushy Wopp whose bold, colourful, thought-provoking street art uses visual storytelling challenges perceptions and unites communities.
CALL TO ENTRIES: MUSIC, FASHION AND ART
At the heart of the Mahindra Fusion Fest 2026 is a nationwide talent hunt, inviting the public to enter and compete across three lifestyle categories inspired by the festival’s core pillars:
- Music
- Fashion
- Art
Top creators in each category will win R30 000 in cash and earn a spotlight moment on the main Fusion Fest stage, placing them at the centre of one of South Africa’s most exciting cultural events.
Adding to the excitement around the upcoming festival, the Mahindra XUV 3XO Test Drive Challenge offers the public the chance to test drive the all-new compact SUV and automatically stand a chance to win VIP Fusion Fest tickets, exclusive merchandise, and even a Mahindra XUV 3XO weekend getaway.
Date-Saturday, 7 March 2026, at SunBet Arena, Time Square, Pretoria.
Tickets -from R450
