Olivia Dean will headline the Milk + Cookies Festival in South Africa in early 2027, marking a significant moment for the festival as it showcases a diverse lineup of talent from various musical genres. The British soul singer is set to perform on January 29 at Sandringham Farm in Cape Town and on January 31 at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg.
The announcement comes after a year of remarkable achievements for Dean, who won Best New Artist at the Grammy Awards and received four BRIT Awards, as well as enjoying the success of her second album, The Art of Loving, which became one of the UK’s top-selling records. In addition to Dean, the festival will feature artists Elaine, Zee Nxumalo, Chelsea Sloan, and Jade T, with more acts to be announced soon. Pre-registration for tickets can be found on the festival’s official website.
The Milk + Cookies Festival has seen various headliners since its inception. Kaytranada opened the festival’s South African debut in 2025, followed by Gunna in 2026. Dean’s selection represents a shift in programming from electronic and hip-hop acts to contemporary soul, reflecting the festival’s evolution.
Founded in Atlanta, the festival aims to unite artists, audiences, and local creative communities. Its expansion into South Africa has resonated well, drawing over 30,000 attendees across its Cape Town and Johannesburg locations. The festival embraces a philosophy of booking artists based on their connection to the audience rather than sticking to a specific genre. According to Chase Freeman, Head of Marketing at Milk + Cookies, “We book for the people in the room, not for a genre.”
This inclusive approach mirrors the way contemporary audiences enjoy music across genres, from Amapiano to soulful ballads and hip-hop. South Africa’s vibrant music scene has already gained international recognition, with artists like Tyla and Black Coffee playing pivotal roles in popularizing Amapiano worldwide.
The festival aims to create a comprehensive cultural experience, going beyond music to include elements of fashion, food, art, and workshops. Dean’s performance adds another layer to the festival, connecting with local talent like Elaine, who embodies the fusion of global and regional sounds.
Dean, whose recent accolades include songwriting recognition and sold-out international tours—including her UK arena tour and performances at Madison Square Garden—brings a distinctive musical identity to the event. Her Grammy acceptance speech highlighted her family’s immigrant history, which resonates with the festival’s cultural ethos.
The Milk + Cookies Festival will continue to emphasize its cultural programming alongside the headline acts. Dean’s performances will headline the festival’s third edition in South Africa, with additional announcements regarding acts and schedules expected soon.
Ticket pre-registration is currently open, with presales scheduled for October 28 at 10 a.m. South African Standard Time. General ticket sales will commence on October 30. The festival is restricted to attendees aged 18 and older.
Milk + Cookies Festival South Africa 2027 Dates:
January 29 – Sandringham Farm, Cape Town, South Africa
January 31 – Nasrec Expo Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa
