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Next Saturday, 7th March 2026, the iconic SunBet Arena will transform into a vibrant playground of creativity as Mahindra Fusion Fest 2026 returns with an unstoppable force of music, art, and fashion. Building on its groundbreaking debut, this year’s festival promises to be bigger, louder, and more ambitious, cementing its position as a cultural movement rather than just a single-night event.

Mahindra South Africa has once again curated an extraordinary lineup of boundary-breaking performances, unexpected collaborations, and emerging creators who are pushing the boundaries of their craft. This year, Fusion Fest elevates its production to arena-show levels, transforming the SunBet Arena into a fully immersive theatrical show that brings stories alive. The stage is set for an unforgettable night of music, art, and fashion, with elevated screens, kinetic drapes, and a dynamic stage design that shifts and evolves with every performance.

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. The audience is in for a treat, with an array of pyrotechnics, thunderous sounds, and precision lighting that will heighten the emotional journey of each fusion set, turning every performance into a multi-sensory spectacle.

This year’s festival features four genre-defying fusion performances, each crafted to reflect South Africa’s past, present, and future. Each performance is paired with immersive fashion designers and cutting-edge graphic artists, seamlessly fusing every element to create a one-of-a-kind lifestyle festival unlike anything seen before.

The creative process this year has been deeply integrated, with all members of the creative team fusing their departments of lighting, stage, sound, and choreography into one cohesive vision. This seamless collaboration has allowed 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.

The festival’s highly anticipated creative competitions have drawn exceptional talent from across the country, with winners set to be announced on the night of the festival. In the Music Competition, industry heavyweights Zee Nxumalo, Karen Zoid, and the Wawee Music Team narrowed down an incredibly close field to three outstanding finalists, with the winner to be officially selected by Zee Nxumalo on 25 February.

The Fashion Competition has equally showcased bold innovation and emerging design excellence, with five exceptional finalists – Sinekamva Xali, Andile Cele, Tukisho Machina, Zeshaan Samodien, and Refilwe Motsekedi – refining their garments under the mentorship of Thula Sindi. The winner will receive a R30 000 cash prize and a defining career moment in front of a national audience.

In the Art Competition, 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.

Mahindra Fusion Fest 2026 is more than just a festival – it’s a celebration of South Africa’s vibrant creative landscape, a platform for emerging talent, and an unforgettable experience that will leave you breathless.

Don’t miss out on the fusion

Date: Next Saturday, 7th March 2026

Venue: SunBet Arena

Get your tickets now and be part of this cultural movement!

Get ready for a taste of luxury like never before! Maison Martell, the world’s oldest cognac house, is bringing its unique blend of French heritage and local flair to Johannesburg in March 2026. This innovative cultural residence promises to immerse visitors in the rhythms, textures, and stories of South Africa, reimagined through the lens of Martell’s iconic cognac.

More than just a venue, Maison Martell is an experience that will leave you wanting more. With its slow luxury approach, the residence invites you to pause, indulge, and savor the moment. Think long lunches, late dinners, and meaningful conversations, all paired with expertly crafted cocktails and top-notch entertainment.

What to expect? Intimate musical performances, chef-led collaborations, bespoke tastings, and art-driven experiences that showcase the best of local creativity. Each moment is carefully curated to be a collectible experience, making presence the ultimate privilege.

“We’re thrilled to bring Maison Martell to Johannesburg,” says Tintswalo Baloyi, Category Director: Prestige & High Energy at Pernod Ricard South Africa. “This is where French cognac heritage meets South African flair, creating a space for luxury, creativity, and connection.”

With limited access and exclusive tickets available daily, this is an experience not to be missed. Mark your calendars for March 2026 and get ready to indulge in the luxury of Maison Martell.

In a powerful fusion of fashion and social responsibility, Rubicon Clothing has launched the Conceiving in the Mind initiative, a strategic collaboration with Women and Men Against Child Abuse (WMACA). The initiative is brought to life through Rubicon’s Spring/Summer 2025 collection, ‘In Bloom’, which drops in the first quarter of 2026.

The collection is more than just a showcase of summer fashion – it’s a call to action. Conceiving in the Mind urges society to slow down, think deliberately, and act with intention to prevent child abuse and create safer environments for children. A portion of the proceeds from the collection will support WMACA’s vital work.

“In Bloom” is a vibrant celebration of hope and renewal, featuring brilliant shades of Citrine yellow, a hue that embodies power, vigour, and hope. The collection was shot at the stunning Graham Contemporary Art Gallery in Johannesburg, infusing art and fashion in a way that reflects the initiative’s mission.

“By working with WMACA, we are reviving hope for the most vulnerable while showcasing the beauty of rebirth in design,” says Hangwani Nengovhela, creative director and founder of Rubicon. “We hope to celebrate the blooming spirit of summer, a time of strength, light, and renewal.”

Through In Bloom, Rubicon offers a glimpse into a future where fashion drives positive change. Each piece in the collection maintains the ethereal continuity of Rubicon’s previous work while embodying the freshness of new beginnings.

The ‘In Bloom’ collection will be available in stores and online in the first quarter of 2026.

The “Pure Performance, Pure Confidence” event in Johannesburg marked the beginning of an epic partnership. Sacha, known for his discipline and resilience on the rugby field, embodies the brand’s values of authenticity, energy, and natural health.

As the first male ambassador in the region, Sacha’s role goes beyond just reps – he’s part of Garnier’s mission to make wellness beauty accessible to all. Expect him to share his grooming secrets, advocate for sustainability, and inspire young men to own their confidence.

“Performance and confidence go hand in hand, and Garnier Pure Active captures that perfectly,” Sacha says.

Garnier’s Brand Business Leader Roma Ramkhelawan adds, “Sacha represents the next generation of sporting excellence, and his journey reflects our values of performance and confidence.”

Get ready for Sacha’s campaigns, social media takeovers, and exclusive content – he’s gonna make grooming cool.

Kramerville, Johannesburg – HONOR South Africa recently hosted a star-studded launch event for the HONOR X9d 5G, the latest addition to its Unbreakable Series. The event turned the tables on durability, with a series of challenges that put the device to the test in real-life scenarios.

The HONOR X9d 5G is built to withstand the toughest conditions, with SGS Triple-resistant Premium Performance Certification, 2.5m drop resistance, IP69K water resistance, and IP6X dust-resistance. But it’s not just about specs – the device is designed to look and feel premium, with a clean, modern design that’s confident in hand.

“We wanted to show Mzansi that the HONOR X9d 5G is more than just a phone – it’s a partner for everyday life,” said Fred Zhou, CEO of HONOR South Africa. “With its unbeatable durability and long-term value, this device is a no-brainer for anyone looking for a phone that can keep up.”

The event featured a range of challenges, including the Wrecking Ball, Sandpit, Paint Ball, and Fish Tank challenges, all designed to test the device’s limits. But the real showstopper was the water resistance challenge, with the HONOR X9d 5G engineered to withstand high-pressure water exposure.

The device is now available in two colors, Sunrise Gold and Midnight Black, for a recommended retail price of R9,999. Plus, customers can enjoy redeemable gifts worth R4,998, including HONOR Choice Earbuds Clip or HONOR Choice Airfryer, and 12 months of free Accidental Damage Protection.

Available promotions include:

MTN: R439 x 36 months,

Cell C: R549 x 36 months,

Vodacom: R449 x 36 months.

Los Angeles, CA – Johnnie Walker, the world’s leading Scotch whisky brand, recently hosted South African DJ and content creator Chelsea Sloan at the 67th Annual GRAMMY Awards, solidifying its commitment to celebrating creative excellence and African cultural influence on the global stage.

Sloan joined an exclusive cohort of international creators and media representatives for an immersive weekend experience, culminating in attendance at the prestigious awards ceremony. The event coincided with a historic night for African music, as South African pop sensation Tyla took home the GRAMMY Award for Best African Music Performance.

“We’re proud to support African creativity and celebrate the continent’s growing influence on the international music landscape,” said Ifeoma Agu, Head of Culture, Influencers & Advocacy, Diageo Africa. “By investing in African creators, we invest in the future of global culture.”

The Johnnie Walker x Sabrina Carpenter GRAMMYs experience brought together creators from across the globe, featuring exclusive access to the Capitol Records Rooftop Party, intimate dinners, and a Sip & Style Brunch. Guests enjoyed bespoke serves, including the Go Go Highball, crafted with Johnnie Walker Black Label.

This initiative reflects Johnnie Walker’s broader strategy to position itself as a cultural catalyst, demonstrating its commitment to the ‘Keep Walking’ philosophy – a celebration of progress, ambition, and excellence.

The wait is almost over! MasterChef South Africa Season 6 is just around the corner, and it’s going to be a culinary ride like no other. The show moves to its new home on e.tv, airing Sundays at 18:00, with rebroadcasts on Saturdays at 17:00 on e.tv, Saturdays at 20:30 on eExtra, and Sundays at 17:00 on eReality.

This season, 20 talented home cooks from across the country are vying for the coveted MasterChef title and R1 million prize. Meet some of the exciting contestants:

Ali Sonday, a law graduate with a passion for food inspired by his Muslim faith and Indian heritage

Rejane Gwynne, a 50-year-old world-traveller with a love for healthy, rustic cuisine

Bandile “Bandziva” Mandinane, a colourful and flamboyant KZN home cook with a flair for fashion and food

Andrew “Benjie” Benjamin, a cool-headed electrician and grill-master from Kimberley

Chanelle Gale, a practical “Jill-of-all-trades” mom from the Eastern Cape who cooks with love

Mahlatse Mongatane, a bright-eyed 23-year-old culinary student with a talent for baking

Simele Shange, a charismatic Zulu man and devoted dad who brings people together with his food

Ntobeko Dlamini, a multi-faceted entrepreneur with a focus on South African heritage cuisine

Catch these talented contestants in action on MasterChef South Africa Season 6, starting February 22 on e.tv! 

Miladys, the popular South African womenswear brand, has launched its first-ever Store of the Future at Canal Walk, marking a major shift in its retail strategy. The new store concept is designed to provide a seamless and enjoyable shopping experience, combining functionality, comfort, and elevated aesthetics.

The open-plan layout, warmer material finishes, and intuitive zoning create a welcoming atmosphere, making it easy for customers to navigate and find what they need. According to Natalie Wills, Managing Director at Miladys, “Our focus is on continuously evolving how we show up for our customer. This store represents our commitment to delivering a more considered, uplifting, and relevant retail experience.”

The Canal Walk location sets the blueprint for future Miladys stores nationwide, developed in collaboration with National Visual Merchandising Manager Leigh Seager and The Mr Price Group store design team. The launch event brought together media, industry stakeholders, and brand partners, offering guests an immersive walkthrough of the new store concept.

The SS25 Summer Resort Showcase, led by Merchandise Director Jocelyn Elliot, highlighted the brand’s seasonal direction and design evolution, focusing on versatile, comfort-led fashion. “SS25 was about designing with real life in mind — pieces that transition effortlessly between leisure, travel, and everyday wear, while maintaining our core focus on fit, quality, and comfort,” says Elliot.

With the introduction of its Store of the Future, Miladys signals a confident step forward in its growth strategy, strengthening its physical retail presence while aligning with modern consumer expectations and long-term business sustainability. 

METRO FM, South Africa’s leading commercial radio station, has officially announced that Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, will host the prestigious METRO FM Music Awards (MMAs) for the next three years, beginning with the 2026 edition. The announcement marks a triumphant return to the coastal city after a successful three-year stint in Mpumalanga from 2023 to 2025.

Celebrated for its vibrant creative energy, rich cultural heritage, and dynamic entertainment scene, Durban is poised to bring a fresh wave of excitement to one of the country’s most anticipated music events.

SABC Group Executive for Radio, Nada Wotshela, expressed her enthusiasm about the decision.
“We’re thrilled to bring the METRO FM Music Awards back to South Africa’s favourite playground, Durban, in 2026. We’re excited to celebrate South African music talent in eThekwini, a city known for its exceptional music and entertainment scene, as well as a rich cultural tapestry.”

Durban’s Mayor, Cyril Xaba, echoed this sentiment, emphasising the city’s strength as a creative and tourism hub.
“Durban is proud to host the METRO FM Music Awards for the next three years. This event highlights our city as a hub of creativity and culture, positioning us as an ideal tourism and events destination.”

The METRO FM Music Awards continue to honour excellence and innovation in the South African music industry. Entries for the 2026 edition are officially open, with eligibility restricted to works released between 28 February 2025 and 28 February 2026. Submission guidelines, rules, and entry forms are available on the METRO FM website.

Returning to Durban aligns with METRO FM’s commitment to amplifying the voices of South African artists and showcasing the nation’s diverse musical landscape. The 2026 event is expected to feature a star-studded lineup, special guest appearances, and the highly anticipated awards ceremony.

This year’s awards once again receive strong backing from the Motsepe Foundation. The event forms part of the foundation’s broader vision of integrating fashion, music, entertainment, and the arts to drive cultural expression and economic development.

Motsepe Foundation COO, Kenneth Mashaba, highlighted the synergy between the awards and the foundation’s FAMES initiative.
“We are delighted to partner with the METRO FM Music Awards! At Africa Fashion International (AFI), we believe that fashion transcends mere clothing; it embodies a cultural movement. Our FAMES initiative—Fashion Meets the Arts, Music, Entertainment, and Sports—is dedicated to pioneering boundaries and celebrating Africa’s exceptional creative prowess. By seamlessly integrating fashion with music, art, and entertainment, we empower individuals to express themselves authentically, catalyse economic growth, and foster job creation.”

Details on the 2026 ceremony—including the official date, nominees, and performers—will be announced in the coming months. Fans and industry stakeholders are encouraged to follow METRO FM’s social media channels for real-time updates.

With Durban as the new home of the MMAs from 2026 to 2028, South Africa can look forward to a refreshed celebration of its musical brilliance—set against the backdrop of one of its most exciting cultural cities.

Get ready to taste the sunshine! South Africa’s favourite squash brand, OROS, is thrilled to announce the return of its iconic Passion Fruit flavour, relaunched with a refreshed and rejuvenated mix that’s sure to bring a burst of tropical flavour to your summer.

For generations, OROS has been a staple in South African households, evoking memories of family gatherings, weekend BBQs, and lazy summer afternoons. And now, with the return of Passion Fruit, the brand is celebrating its rich heritage and commitment to delivering unmistakable flavour and authentic connection to South African culture.

“We’re giving South Africans the burst of flavour they’ve been waiting for,” says Siphesihle Vena, Senior Brand Manager at OROS. “The relaunch of OROS Passion Fruit honours our legacy while embracing the vibrant, nostalgic spirit of a South African summer.”

With its bold, fruity profile and overflowing sweetness, OROS Passion Fruit is the perfect companion for any summer occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it ice-cold, mixed into a fruity cooler, or on a slow, sunny afternoon, it’s sure to bring an instant burst of feel-good energy.

But Passion Fruit is just one of the many refreshing flavours in the OROS portfolio. From classic Orange to tangy Naartjie, and from Tropical to Guava, there’s an OROS flavour to suit every taste and occasion.

So why not “mix it up” with OROS Passion Fruit this summer? Create your own vibrant moments at home, on the go, or wherever the sunshine leads. With OROS, you’re always just a mix away from a taste of South African nostalgia and fun.

About OROS:

OROS is a proudly South African brand, trusted, accessible, and homegrown. With a legacy spanning generations, OROS is more than just a drink – it’s an iconic symbol of comfort, togetherness, and the essence of South African culture.