Mahindra’s Fusion Fest made a triumphant return in 2026, drawing more than 7 000 fans to Pretoria’s SunBet Arena for a vibrant celebration of music, fashion and art.
Launched only last year, the festival has already grown into a national showcase. Ahead of the main event, Mahindra staged campus and cultural activations in Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg, inviting young musicians, designers and artists to compete for a place on the big stage. Hundreds of entries poured in, with winners receiving prize money and the chance to shine at the finale.
“The youthful vibrancy of the Rainbow Nation is something we experience every day across South Africa in its music, fashion, art and the remarkable creativity of its people,” said Rajesh Gupta, CEO of Mahindra South Africa.
At the showcase, Thando Micky took top honours in the music category, while Andile Cele impressed with fashion design and Anda Mncayi was recognised as the standout visual artist. Each winner walked away with R30 000, while two music runners-up earned R10 000 each.
The evening featured collaborative performances that paired household names with rising stars. Highlights included Zoë Modiga sharing the stage with Mafikizolo, Kurt Darren and Claire Johnston, alongside sets from Blxckie, Maglera Doe Boy, Naledi Aphiwe, Karen Zoid, Nomfundo Moh, Focalistic and Daliwonga.
Beyond the artistry, Mahindra spotlighted its XUV 3XO compact SUV. Since its South African launch in October 2024, the model has become the fastest in Mahindra’s local line-up to reach 10 000 sales, achieving the milestone in just over 500 days. In February alone, 791 units were sold, contributing to nearly 2 000 deliveries across the brand’s range.
“The XUV 3XO has welcomed a lot of new members to the Mahindra family,” Gupta noted. “We want to make sure that we exceed their customer service expectations, just as the car exceeds their expectations for what is possible in a compact SUV.”
One of those new members is Ntombhi Mkalipi from Pretoria, who drove away in a brand-new XUV 3XO after winning Mahindra’s nationwide test drive campaign linked to Fusion Fest. The SUV was prominently displayed at the event, symbolising both its popularity and Mahindra’s growing momentum in South Africa, where the company now boasts more than 100 dealers and over 100 000 customers.
Staff Writer
Reporting from the front lines of the automotive industry, delivering expert analysis and the technical updates that drive the South African motor sector forward.
