Don Julio & Johnnie Walker Elevate Culture as Co-Presenting Partners of Milk & Cookies Festival 2026
Milk + Cookies today announces the final line-up for Milk + Cookies Music Week South Africa 2026, with rising global stars Odeal and Elmiene officially joining this year’s festival. Odeal will perform on the Cape Town main stage, while Elmiene will make his Johannesburg debut – rounding out a diverse, world-class roster that reflects the growing cultural bridge between South Africa and the global creative diaspora.
This final announcement completes a 2026 festival line-up anchored by a headline performance from Gunna and special appearances from Majid Jordan in both cities – marking Milk + Cookies’ most expansive South African edition yet.
Following a debut that drew more than 20,000 attendees in 2025, the 2026 return stretches into a month-long celebration of music, culture, industry exchange, and community uplift across Cape Town and Johannesburg from 17 December 2025 to 13 January 2026.
Odeal and Elmiene bring fresh, modern layers to this year’s musical landscape. Odeal, celebrated for his distinctive blend of alt-soul, Afrobeats, and UK contemporary sound, adds a diasporic richness to Cape Town’s lineup – harmonizing beautifully with SA’s own soulful roots and evolving sonic identity. In Johannesburg, Elmiene introduces his widely acclaimed, textured R&B to the SA stage, offering fans a rare opportunity to experience one of the UK’s most compelling new voices.
FINAL 2026 FESTIVAL LINE-UP
CAPE TOWN — SATURDAY, 3 JANUARY 2026 | Kenilworth Racecourse
MAIN STAGE
Gunna • Majid Jordan • Odeal • Nasty C • Dlala Thukzin • YoungstaCPT • Vigro Deep • TenOceans • 2woBunnies • Mshayi • Rarri • Bella Worldwide
MOVE MZANSI STAGE — POWERED BY EXTREME
Que DJ • Shamiso • Summer Heynes • Not A She • Pierre Johnson • GGOLDIE • Fort Noks • Internet Girl • DJ Abu • Mashup Sessions
JOHANNESBURG — SATURDAY, 10 JANUARY 2026 | Nasrec Expo Centre
MAIN STAGE
Gunna • Majid Jordan • Elmiene • A-Reece • Blxckie • DJ Speedsta • DJ Kent • Jazzwrld & Thukuthela • Dwson • Fiflaaa • Pona x Nkly • Jinji
MOVE MZANSI STAGE — POWERED BY EXTREME
DJ Capital • Tango Supreme • Stixx • Omagoqa • Lelowhatsgood • Uncle Partytime • ASVNTE • Baby Whitz • Kaygo • Baptiste
DON JULIO AND JOHNNIE WALKER ELEVATE CULTURE AS CO-PRESENTING PARTNERS OF MILK & COOKIES FESTIVAL 2026
Milk & Cookies Festival proudly announces the return of Don Julio and Johnnie Walker as co-presenting partners for the 2026 edition—strengthening a shared vision centered on premium experiences, cultural elevation, and meaningful community connection.
This year, luxury tequila, Don Julio, is elevating the event by transforming the VVIP Deck into the immersive concept known as “The Don’s Table.” VVIP guests will be treated to a high-end hospitality experience that extends beyond the celebration, offering immersive masterclasses, expertly curated cocktails, and premium tequila showcases.
Johnnie Walker will introduce a dynamic interactive activation shaped by its Afro-exchange storytelling to inspire movement, discovery and social connection in celebration of African creativity, rhythm and cultural progression. Guests can expect immersive touchpoints, bold design, and sensory experientials that spotlight the brand’s commitment to championing African expression and collective forward motion in elevating how festival goers engage with the brand.
“We’re excited to deepen our partnership and amplify the cultural energy that Milk & Cookies represents,” says Simtholile Mnisi, Experiences, Partnerships and Sponsorships Manager, 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, celebrating African creativity in motion through flavour, rhythm and storytelling. Paired with Don Julio’s elevated luxury, we’re reimagining what world-class festival culture looks and feels like in South Africa.”
Together, Don Julio and Johnnie Walker will shape the festival’s aesthetics, hospitality, and immersive experiences – propelling Milk & Cookies 2026 into its next chapter as South Africa’s leading summer celebration.
BEYOND THE STAGE – MILK & COOKIES MUSIC WEEK 2026 COMMUNITY + CREATIVE PROGRAMMING
Milk + Cookies Music Week continues to reshape South Africa’s festival landscape by expanding beyond a single headline moment into a sustained cultural program. The 2026 edition features a curated schedule of music, fashion, community, and industry experiences across Cape Town and Johannesburg, designed to accelerate talent, build networks, and celebrate creativity at every level.
The program convenes artists, cultural leaders, entrepreneurs and emerging voices for experiences that drive connection, collaboration and creative development. Writing Camps enable producers and songwriters to work with peers from across the continent. Dot Connector panels link global and local industry leaders with rising talent, creating space for mentorship, networking and deal flow. Fashion, lifestyle and music events spotlight new creative identities, while community-centred initiatives deliver meaningful impact directly to neighbourhoods.
Together, Milk + Cookies Music Week reflects a commitment to cultural investment, creative development and community upliftment. The program is built on the belief that the most meaningful impact often happens off the main stage, in the conversations, collaborations and communities that surround it.
General tickets available for purchase via Howler: Cape Town orJohannesburg. This event is open to ages 18+ only.
More information and announcements at Milkandcookiesfestival.com
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Instagram: @milkcookiesfest
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Twitter:@milkcookiesfest
