The Mahindra Fusion Fest – SA’s boldest celebration of art, fashion and music – is back for 2026 and bigger than ever before.
Festivities started officially in Cape Town today, where Mahindra hosted students and fans for a Mahindra Fusion Fest Build Up music and fashion show and a live graffiti art display on one of the new Mahindra XUV 3XO models.
The XUV 3XO has already spent a couple of days on the picturesque UCT campus where students were invited to test the sport SUV and be entered into the Mahindra Fusion Fest competition.
As part of the competition, members of the public are invited to test drive the XUV 3XO and stand a chance of winning exclusive Fusion Fest VIP tickets, limited-edition merchandise and entry into the grand prize draw for a Mahindra XUV 3XO weekend getaway experience.
After a successful wrap in Cape Town, the Mahindra Fusion Fest will take to the road to Durban, where it will be hosted at the University of KwaZulu-Natal on 16 December.
“The growth of the Mahindra Fusion Fest is a reflection of our deepening connection with South Africans through culture, creativity and community.
“What began as a celebration of a youthful vibrant rainbow nation is further strengthening the roots by retaining the core idea of joining the cultural revolution in their journey to rise together. We are proud to support and grow this unique festival year after year,” says Rajesh Gupta, CEO of Mahindra South Africa.
Rocking UCT
The Build Up tour rocked the 196-year-old University of Cape Town with an electrifying launch event that brought energy, excitement and entertainment to the campus and attracted over 3 000 students and fans. The event was hosted by Mahindra ambassador, Nomuzi ‘Moozlie’ Mabena, and it featured an unforgettable live performance by rising music sensation, Zee Nxumalo.
Attendees, who included media personalities Kyeezi, Ryle Rene De Morny, Neevan Ferris, Kelly Kikx and Missy Roberts, were treated to an interactive brand experience with art installations, fashion show and clothing activation with opportunities to win exciting prizes and engage in games and challenges. They also got the chance to experience the Mahindra lifestyle: fashion, music and art – all while enjoying a vibrant, festival-like atmosphere.
While on a smaller scale than the main event, the Cape Town Build Up event of the Fusion Fest wowed attendees and garnered a lot of interest from budding artists, designers and musicians.
Earlier this year Mahindra set an example that many companies have followed by blending truly South African music, art and fashion in a high-energy event. This year, the event attracted over 7 000 fans, and it prompted Mahindra to include the two coastal cities of Cape Town and Durban in its roadshow.
Mahindra x Music
Mahindra South Africa is calling on unsigned local artists to step into the spotlight for the 2026 Fusion Fest.
Artists will get the chance to showcase their creativity by submitting an original short track inspired by the theme of fusion — whether that means blending genres, cultures, or sounds. Selected artists will gain exposure, connect with fellow creatives and be part of a celebration of musical innovation.
Zee Nxumalo, in collaboration with a distinguished panel of music industry experts, will be tasked with selecting the ultimate winner.
Mahindra X Fashion
The #MahindraFashionSearch invites young designers to showcase their unique style and creative voice by submitting up to four original sketches that embody the spirit of fusion — whether it’s cultural, stylistic, or material.
Designs can be brand new or pulled from your existing portfolio, as long as they reflect a personal interpretation of fusion. This is more than a competition, it’s a platform. Finalists will gain industry recognition and invaluable exposure, with submissions reviewed by an esteemed panel of fashion industry giants.
Mahindra X Art
Emerging visual artists have a blank canvas to work with.
We’re calling on fresh talent to share original works that explore and express the concept of fusion — whether through medium, message, culture, or technique. Submissions are open across all visual disciplines, from painting and illustration to digital art, photography, sculpture, mixed media and more.
To enter, artists can submit high-resolution scans or photographs of their work that capture its full detail and creative intent. This is an opportunity to be seen, celebrated and considered for a platform that champions bold new voices in contemporary art. The judging panel includes featured artists from Fusion Fest 2026 or hosted masterclasses by established creatives.
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