Pretoria – Mahindra Fusion Fest 2026 is set to return to Pretoria this March, with organisers unveiling an expanded programme that brings together live music, fashion and visual art in one curated showcase.
The festival will take place on Saturday, 7 March 2026, at the SunBet Arena at Time Square in Pretoria, South Africa. Organised by Mahindra South Africa, the event follows the success of its inaugural edition and is positioned as a platform for collaboration across creative disciplines within the region.
Mahindra South Africa confirmed that the 2026 edition will feature four themed fusion performances, each reflecting different moments in South Africa’s cultural landscape, with organisers saying the concept continues to resonate beyond the country’s borders, including in neighbouring Eswatini where South African music, fashion and visual art enjoy strong following.
Rajesh Gupta, chief executive officer of Mahindra South Africa, said the festival forms part of the company’s wider cultural engagement.
“Fusion 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,” Gupta said. He added that the event aligns with Mahindra’s approach to collaboration and creative development in South Africa.
The opening segment, Rewind the Revolution, will be led by Zöe Modiga, alongside Mafikizolo, Kurt Darren and Claire Johnston. The performance will trace South African popular music from the democratic era to the present. Fashion will be presented by Imprint, led by Mzukisi Mbane, while visual art contributions will come from Durban born multidisciplinary artist Shaun Damn Vandal Oakley, known for combining graffiti, pop art and digital illustration.
The second fusion, Hip Hop Most High, will bring together hip hop artists Blxckie and Maglera Doe Boy with the Tshwane Gospel Choir. Fashion for the segment will be curated by The Bam Collective, founded by Jacques Bam, while artwork will be supplied by illustrator and motion designer Ndumiso Nyoni, whose work blends African visual traditions with contemporary youth culture.
The third performance, Femme for All, will focus on women performers across genres and generations, featuring Naledi Aphiwe, Karen Zoid, Nomfundo Moh and Mariechan. Visual art for this segment will be created by international director and visual artist Inka Kendzia, whose work explores themes of memory, the body and nature.
The final segment, All About Now, will centre on contemporary amapiano, with performances by Zee Nxumalo, Focalistic and Daliwonga. Fashion will be provided by Munkus, led by Thando Ntuli, while Cape Town based mural artist and illustrator Bushy Wopp will contribute large scale visual works known for bold colour and social commentary.
Alongside the main programme, organisers have opened entries for the Mahindra Fusion Fest 2026 open call, aimed at emerging and independent musicians, fashion designers and visual artists. Submissions close on Saturday, 31 January 2026. Selected winners in each category will receive R30 000 in cash and an opportunity to present their work on the main Fusion Fest stage, an opportunity that also extends to creatives from Eswatini seeking regional exposure.
Mahindra South Africa has also announced the Mahindra XUV 3XO Test Drive Challenge. Members of the public who take part in a test drive of the newly launched compact SUV will be entered into a draw to win VIP Fusion Fest tickets, branded merchandise and a weekend getaway with a Mahindra XUV 3XO.
Doors at the SunBet Arena will open at 18:00, with ticket prices starting from R450. Further details on entry requirements, competition rules and festival updates are available through Mahindra South Africa’s official platforms.
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