Festivities started officially in Cape Town, where Mahindra hosted 3 000 students and fans for a Mahindra Fusion Fest Build Up with music, a 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 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 reflects 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.
Earlier this year, the Mahindra event attracted over 7 000 fans, which 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. Select artists will gain exposure, connect with fellow creatives and be part of a celebration of musical innovation.

Zee Nxumalo, in collaboration with a 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 a panel of fashion industry giants.

Mahindra X Art:
Mahindra calls 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. The judging panel includes featured artists from Fusion Fest 2026 or hosted masterclasses by established creatives.