Art, music, and fashion are set to collide at the iconic SunBet Arena next Saturday, 7 March 2026, as the Mahindra Fusion Fest returns, promising a bold and immersive celebration of South African creativity.
This year, the festival will feature a powerhouse, girl-powered performance with Naledi Aphiwe, Karen Zoid, Nomfundo Moh, and Mariechan, celebrating women across generations and genres.
Following the groundbreaking debut of the festival, the 2026 edition comes by overwhelming demand and promises to be bigger, louder, and more ambitious, blending music, art, and fashion like never before.
Designed as a cultural movement rather than a single-night event, Mahindra South Africa has curated boundary-breaking performances, unexpected collaborations, and a platform for emerging creators. Elevating production to arena-show levels, the SunBet Arena will be transformed into a fully immersive theatrical space.
Audiences can expect elevated screens, kinetic drapes, and a dynamic stage design that shifts with every performance, creating a living, breathing visual experience.
Speaking about the festival, Rajesh Gupta, CEO of Mahindra South Africa, said:
“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. It brings Mahindra’s Rise philosophy to life by showcasing how creativity and collaboration can unite different voices into something more powerful, and defines who we are becoming as a brand in South Africa.
Gupta added:
“The response to the first edition reaffirmed that when cultures, ideas, and generations come together, the impact extends far beyond a single moment. Fusion Fest 2026 builds on that foundation, growing in ambition and collaboration, driven by the belief that we rise strongest when we rise together.”
This year’s festival will showcase four genre-defying fusion performances, each reflecting South Africa’s past, present, and future. Each act will be paired with immersive fashion designers and cutting-edge visual artists to create a seamless, one-of-a-kind lifestyle experience.
The festival’s creative competitions have also drawn exceptional talent from across the country. In the Music Competition, judges Zee Nxumalo, Karen Zoid, and the Wawee Music Team have shortlisted three outstanding finalists. The winner, to be officially chosen by Zee Nxumalo on 25 February, will perform on the SunBet Arena stage.
The Fashion Competition has highlighted emerging design excellence. Judges Thula Sindi, Jacques Bam, Mzu Mbane, and Thando Ntuli have selected five finalists: Sinekamva Xali, Andile Cele, Tukisho Machina, Zeshaan Samodien, and Refilwe Motsekedi. Under Thula Sindi’s mentorship, the designers are refining their garments ahead of the festival, with the winner receiving a R30 000 cash prize and national recognition.
In the Art Competition, judged by Shaun Oakley, Chad Hanning, Ndumiso Nyoni, and a Mahindra representative, Cape Town’s Anda Mncayi emerged as the winner for exceptional originality and impact. His work will form part of the immersive creative landscape at Fusion Fest 2026, reflecting the spirit of collaboration and cultural expression that defines the event.
The festival promises to be a landmark celebration of South African creativity, offering audiences a dynamic fusion of performance, fashion, and art while spotlighting the next generation of innovators and cultural leaders.
Saturday Star