15 MUSIC ARTISTS FUSING WITH 4 FASHION DESIGNERS AND 4 GRAPHIC ARTISTS
Next Saturday 7th March 2026, the Mahindra Fusion Fest 2026 returns to the iconic SunBet Arena this March, promising a bold, immersive celebration of South African creativity where music, art and fashion collide.
Following a groundbreaking debut, Fusion Fest 2026 is back by overwhelming demand and set to an even bigger, louder and more ambitious fusion of music, art and fashion.
Designed as a cultural movement rather than a single-night event, Mahindra South Africa will once again curate boundary-breaking performances, unexpected collaborations and a powerful platform for emerging creators.
This year, Fusion Fest elevates its production to arena-show levels, transforming the SunBet Arena into a fully immersive theatrical show bringing stories alive. Audiences can expect elevated screens, kinetic drapes and a dynamic stage design that shifts and evolves with every performance, creating a living, breathing visual landscape. With over 14 cameras in use, every powerful moment — from intimate vocals to explosive dance breaks — will be captured and amplified across massive screens, ensuring every seat feels front row. An array of pyrotechnics, thunderous sounds and precision lighting will heighten the emotional journey of each fusion set, turning every performance into a multi-sensory spectacle.
The creative process this year has been deeply integrated, with all members of the creative team fusing their departments of lighting, stage, sound and even choreography into one cohesive vision. This seamless collaboration has allowed the Mahindra Fusion Fest to become a true playground for performing art, music and fashion — where no element stands alone, and every detail works in harmony to create unforgettable moments.
This year’s festival 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.
As the Mahindra Fusion Fest 2026 builds momentum, the festival’s highly anticipated creative competitions have drawn exceptional talent from across the country. In the Music Competition, industry heavyweights Zee Nxumalo, Karen Zoid and the Wawee Music Team were tasked with narrowing down an incredibly close field. After intense deliberation, three outstanding finalists have been shortlisted, with public anticipation building as their names go live on social media today. With the votes separated by the slimmest of margins, the final decision now rests with Zee Nxumalo, who will officially select the winner on 25 February — setting the stage for a powerful moment at SunBet Arena.
The Fashion Competition has equally showcased bold innovation and emerging design excellence. Esteemed judges Thula Sindi, Jacques Bam from The Bam Collective, Mzu Mbane of Imprint and Thando Ntuli of Munkus have shortlisted five exceptional finalists: Sinekamva Xali, Andile Cele, Tukisho Machina, Zeshaan Samodien and Refilwe Motsekedi. These designers are currently refining their garments under the mentorship and supervision of Thula Sindi, preparing to present their creations live at MFF 2026. The winner will be announced on the night of the festival and awarded a R30 000 cash prize — a defining career moment in front of a national audience.
In the Art Competition, judged by Shaun Oakley (Damn Vandal), Chad Hanning (Bushy Wopp), Ndumiso Nyoni and a Mahindra representative, the response was overwhelming, with approximately 120 entries received from across South Africa. After careful review, one artist emerged as the clear and undeniable choice. Cape Town’s Anda Mncayi stood out for exceptional originality and impact, earning the unanimous recognition of the panel. His winning work will form part of the immersive creative landscape at Fusion Fest 2026, embodying the spirit of collaboration and cultural expression that defines this year’s event.
EVENT INFORMATION
Date: Saturday, 7 March 2026
Venue: SunBet Arena, Time Square, Pretoria
Doors Open: 6:00 PM
Tickets: From R300
Fusion Fest 2026 is more than a festival — it’s a cultural spark, a creative platform and a shared celebration of who we are. The race is on, and South Africa is invited to be part of it.
For more information, competition details and updates, follow Mahindra South Africa:
Website: https://mahindra.co.za
Facebook: @MahindraSouthAfrica
Instagram: @MahindraSouthAfrica
YouTube: Mahindra South Africa (Official Page)
X: @Mahindra_SA
Comments
Post a Comment