If last year’s Mahindra Fusion Fest proved anything, it’s that South Africa is hungry for spaces where music, art, and fashion can exist together in one powerful experience. Now, the countdown is officially on for the second edition, returning to SunBet Arena in Pretoria this March.
Fusion Fest 2026 promises to build on its breakout debut with a bigger, bolder celebration of local creativity. Designed as a cultural movement rather than just another concert, the festival brings together genre bending performances, immersive visuals, and fashion moments that reflect the country’s past, present, and future.
At its core, Fusion Fest is about collaboration. Each performance pairs musicians with fashion designers and visual artists, creating layered experiences that blur the lines between sound, style, and storytelling.
According to Mahindra South Africa CEO Rajesh Gupta, the festival reflects the energy of a new generation. “Fusion Fest brings together different voices and creative worlds. When people collaborate across culture, the impact goes far beyond the stage.”
Four Fusions. One Creative Playground.
This year’s programme is divided into four unique creative chapters:
Fusion 1: Rewind the Revolution
Led by Zöe Modiga alongside Mafikizolo, Kurt Darren, and Claire Johnston, this set revisits South Africa’s musical journey from 1994 to today. Fashion comes courtesy of Imprint by Mzukisi Mbane, while Durban artist Shaun “Damn Vandal” Oakley brings bold pop visuals into the mix.
Fusion 2: Hip Hop Most High
BLXKIE and Maglera Doe Boy join forces with the Tshwane Gospel Choir for a powerful blend of hip hop and spiritual sound. The Bam Collective handles fashion, with visual storytelling by illustrator and motion designer Ndumiso Nyoni.
Fusion 3: Femme For All
A celebration of women across generations featuring Naledi Aphiwe, Karen Zoid, Nomfundo Moh, and Mariechan. Visual artist Inka Kendzia adds an immersive artistic layer to this girl powered moment.
Fusion 4: All About Now
Zee Nxumalo, Focalistic, and Daliwonga close out the night with an amapiano driven showcase rooted firmly in the present. Fashion is curated by Munkus, with vibrant street art visuals by Cape Town illustrator Bushy Wopp.
A National Talent Search Takes Centre Stage
Beyond the headline acts, Fusion Fest 2026 is opening its doors to emerging creatives across music, fashion, and art. Through a nationwide call for entries, three standout creators will each walk away with R30,000 and earn a spotlight performance on the main stage.
Entries close on Saturday, 31 January 2026, offering young designers, musicians, and visual artists a rare opportunity to share space with some of the country’s biggest names.
Festival goers can also take part in the Mahindra XUV 3XO Test Drive Challenge, where participants stand a chance to win VIP tickets, exclusive merchandise, or even a weekend getaway with the new compact SUV.
Event Details
Fusion Fest 2026 takes place on Saturday, 7 March 2026 at SunBet Arena, Time Square, Pretoria. Doors open at 6:00 PM, with tickets starting from R450.
More than a festival, Fusion Fest has become a creative platform where South Africans come together to celebrate expression, collaboration, and cultural pride. If the first edition was the spark, this one promises to be the flame.