Milk + Cookies confirms final line-up for 2026 SA edition

The pair join a roster headlined by US rapper Gunna, with Canadian duo Majid Jordan scheduled to appear in both Cape Town and Johannesburg. The organisers say the 2026 edition marks the festival’s most extensive South African outing to date, expanding into a month-long series of music and cultural events from 17 December 2025 to 13 January 2026.

Odeal, known for a sound that blends alt-soul, Afrobeats and UK contemporary influences, will add to the Cape Town programme, while Elmiene brings R&B stylings that have earned him significant acclaim in the UK.

Artists confirmed for the Cape Town edition at Kenilworth Racecourse include Gunna, Majid Jordan, Odeal, Nasty C, Dlala Thukzin, YoungstaCPT, Vigro Deep, TenOceans, 2woBunnies, Mshayi, Rarri, Bella Worldwide, Que DJ, Shamiso, Summer Heynes, Not A She, Pierre Johnson, GGOLDIE, Fort Noks, Internet Girl, and DJ Abu. 

On 10 January, the event will move to Johannesburg, with Gunna, Majid Jordan, Elmiene, A-Reece, Blxckie, DJ Speedsta, DJ Kent, Jazzwrld & Thukuthela, Dwson, Fiflaaa, Pona x Nkly, Jinji, DJ Capital, Tango Supreme, Stixx, Omagoqa, Lelowhatsgood, Uncle Partytime, ASVNTE, Baby Whitz, Kaygo, and Baptiste expected to entertain fans at Nasrec Expo Centre.

Festival partnerships

Don Julio and Johnnie Walker return as co-presenting partners for the 2026 edition. Don Julio will host “The Don’s Table”, a VVIP hospitality installation featuring masterclasses, curated cocktails and luxury tequila offerings. Johnnie Walker will present an interactive activation centred on Afro-exchange storytelling.

“We’re excited to deepen our partnership and amplify the cultural energy that Milk & Cookies represents,” said Simtholile Mnisi, Experiences, Partnerships and Sponsorships Manager at Diageo SWC. “Building on the momentum from last year, we are reimagining our festival experience through Johnnie Walker’s Afro-exchange infusions, bringing innovation, authenticity and world-class energy to fans.”

Music week programming

Beyond the headline events, Milk + Cookies Music Week will include writing camps, networking platforms, industry panels, fashion and lifestyle showcases, and community-focused initiatives across Cape Town and Johannesburg. The organisers say these activities aim to support creative development and expand opportunities for emerging talent.

According to the festival team, the Music Week model reflects a broader commitment to cultural investment and community upliftment, stating that significant impact “often happens off the main stage, in the conversations, collaborations and communities that surround it”.

Tickets for the Cape Town and Johannesburg events are available via Howler here and here.