Gunna to Headline Milk and Cookies Festival in South Africa in January 2026

The Atlanta rapper will bring his global hits to Cape Town and Johannesburg as the festival expands its creative and cultural impact across Africa.

Atlanta-born rapper Gunna is set to make a powerful return to South Africa in January 2026, leading the Milk and Cookies Festival as its main headliner. Known for his chart-topping tracks like “Drip Too Hard” and “Push Up”, Gunna’s comeback marks a major moment for fans eager to experience his signature sound live once again.

The festival will take place across Cape Town and Johannesburg, running from December 24, 2025, to January 14, 2026. This extended celebration promises a blend of music, art, and innovation that reflects both local and international influences.

A Celebration of Music and Creativity

The Milk and Cookies Festival is not just about live performances it’s a celebration of culture, creativity, and collaboration. Following the success of its 2025 debut, which drew over 20,000 attendees and featured Canadian producer Kaytranada, the event’s organizers are gearing up for an even bigger and more inclusive experience.

The upcoming edition aims to deepen cultural connections between Atlanta and South Africa, highlighting the shared rhythm between the two creative hubs. With Gunna as the headliner, the festival promises to push the boundaries of music by merging hip hop, R&B, and dance into a unified cultural experience.

Dates and Venues Announced

Fans can catch Gunna live at two major events:

• January 3, 2026 — Kenilworth Racecourse, Cape Town

• January 10, 2026 — Nasrec Expo Centre, Johannesburg

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Joining him will be South Africa’s own Vigro Deep in Cape Town and DJ Kent in Johannesburg. Both artists are renowned for their unique contributions to the local music scene, ensuring that each show will deliver a distinct and electrifying vibe.

Festival Organizers on Gunna’s Impact

Festival co-founder and Chief Marketing Officer Chase Freeman described Gunna’s involvement as a landmark achievement for the event.

“We’re excited to have Gunna as a legend from Atlanta,” Freeman said. “Our roots in live music production began with artists like Wale and Kendrick Lamar, and now Gunna helps us blend hip hop, R&B, and dance to mirror the sounds of both Atlanta and South Africa.”

Freeman emphasized that the festival is more than a concert it’s a dynamic cultural platform that encourages creativity and collaboration. “We curate the lineup like a DJ mix that evolves from day to night, while also working with local designers to produce capsule collections and festival merchandise,” he added.

Empowering Local Talent

Beyond entertainment, the festival serves as a springboard for young creatives across multiple industries. According to Jhordan Gibbs, the festival’s Director of Business Development and Strategy, the initiative is focused on creating sustainable opportunities for South Africa’s emerging talent.

“We’re committed to going beyond the stage because that’s where the real magic happens,” Gibbs said. “Through writing camps, mentorship, and panel discussions, we want to empower the next generation to enter creative industries with confidence and authenticity.”

This inclusive vision underscores the festival’s broader mission to merge art, business, and innovation—fostering an ecosystem where music meets entrepreneurship.

A Platform for Cultural Exchange

In addition to live performances, the Milk and Cookies Festival will include workshops, panels, and visual art showcases, inviting participation from entrepreneurs, designers, and filmmakers. These elements are designed to bridge global and local creative networks, strengthening South Africa’s growing influence in the world’s music and cultural scenes.

Freeman summarized it best: “The Milk and Cookies Festival is a space where every sound, style, and story matters. It’s about sharing the energy that unites us whether you’re from Johannesburg, Cape Town, or Atlanta.”

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