Gunna to Headline Milk + Cookies Festival in South Africa
American rapper Gunna, known for hits like Drip Too Hard, Pushin P, and Jump, will headline the second Milk + Cookies Festival in South Africa early next year. The festival will kick off at the Kenilworth Racecourse in Cape Town on Saturday, January 3, and continue at Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg on Saturday, January 10.
Local talent will support the international headliner, with DJ Kent performing in Johannesburg and Vigro Deep taking the stage in Cape Town. Organisers have promised more artist announcements in the coming weeks, signaling a diverse lineup that blends global and local music culture.
Chase Freeman, head of marketing at Milk + Cookies, explained the festival’s return to South Africa. “We’re coming back to South Africa because its culture sets the pace for the world and we’ve felt that energy since day one. Last year, we saw how Atlanta’s hustle blends so naturally with SA’s incredible culture – it’s a partnership that just works. Now, with Gunna headlining alongside DJ Kent and Vigro Deep, we’re here to not only uplift local talent, but to reinforce to the world how South Africa is shaping global culture.”
The Milk + Cookies Festival is part of a broader initiative called Milk + Cookies Music Week SA, running from December 24 to January 14 across Johannesburg and Cape Town. The week-long programme blends music, creativity, and community engagement. It will feature workshops for aspiring producers and writers, merchandise pop-ups showcasing local fashion, and other initiatives aimed at supporting the creative sector.
Jhordan Gibbs, director of business development and strategy at Milk + Cookies, highlighted the festival’s commitment to empowering local creatives. “We’re committed to going beyond the stage because that’s where the real magic happens – empowering South Africa’s next generation of creatives through hands-on programming like writing camps and panels. These initiatives provide young South African creatives with the tools, resources, and connections to enter creative industries confidently and authentically – because true creativity thrives when we invest in people.”
The 2026 Milk + Cookies Festival promises a dynamic fusion of international and local talent while giving South African creatives a platform to grow and connect with global audiences. Fans can expect high-energy performances, immersive experiences, and opportunities to engage directly with the country’s evolving music and creative landscape.
