Olivia Dean will headline the third edition of Milk + Cookies Festival South Africa in January 2027. The announcement confirms her first appearance at the festival. 

Dean will perform at Sandringham Farm in Cape Town on January 29, 2027, then head to Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg on January 31. She will be joined by Elaine, Zee Nxumalo, Chelsea Sloan and Jade T. Organisers have confirmed that additional performers and details of the festival will follow in the coming weeks.

There have been rumours among fans about who will headline the festival. Promotional material featuring a pink colour scheme prompted some social media users to connect the campaign to Dean.

Photo: Instagram/@OliviaDeano

Dean arrives in the country following a successful period in her career. Her second studio album, The Art of Loving, was released in September 2025 and topped the UK Albums Chart. The project includes, single Man I Need which topped the UK singles chart in October 2025. 

Dean won the Grammy Award for Best New Artist in 2026 and collected four BRIT Awards. During her Grammy acceptance speech, she praised her grandmother Carmen, who moved from Guyana to London at the age of 18. 

“I’m a product of bravery,” Dean said . 

Read Also: Zoë Announced as Headliner for Zeitz MOCAA Gala 2026

Milk + Cookies Festival first edition took place in 2025, with Canadian electronic music producer Kaytranada as the headline act. American rapper Gunna headlined the 2026 edition. 

The festival’s first edition reportedly attracted approximately 20,000 people, while its audience has continued to grow across the two cities.

Photo: Instagram/@Poppulsesa

Chase Freeman, head of marketing at Milk + Cookies, explained the thinking behind the festival’s varied bookings.

“Never the same sound, always the same feeling. That’s the only brief we’ve ever had. We book for the people in the room, not for a genre, and they come for what the room feels like as much as the name on the poster.”

If you are planning to attend, pre-registration opened on October 23. The ticket pre-sale is scheduled for Wednesday, October 28, at 10am, followed by general sales on Friday, October 30, through Howler. The festival is open to people aged 18 and above. 

Shannon Benting will represent South Africa at the Miss Supranational 2026 pageant after winning the South Africa edition. She will compete with 69 women from different countries. The event will take place on 31 July in Nowy Sącz, Poland. Where she will aim to succeed reigning Miss Supranational Eduarda Braum.

Benting earned the opportunity to represent South Africa after winning the Miss Supranational South Africa title through the Miss African Beauty South Africa competition.

Photo: Instagram

The Gauteng-based model and content creator has built a career in modelling and digital media while also leading community initiatives..

Her project Beauty in Action supports youth and women in different skills. Benting knows the importance of creating opportunities for young women and  supporting positive change.

Read Also: Ella Mai Headlines First-Ever South Africa Show Amid Star-Studded Lineup

Benting said representing her country at Miss Supranational is an honour.

“Representing South Africa at Miss Supranational 2026 is a moment I will carry with me for the rest of my life” She said.

“I have worked hard, dreamed big and stayed grounded in my purpose, and this feels like confirmation that showing up with authenticity and intention truly matters.”

Photo: Instagram

South Africa has already tasted victory at Miss Supranational, with Lalela Mswane’s 2022 win becoming one of the country’s most memorable pageant achievements. Some segments that contestants will pass through include attitude, elegance evaluation, confidence and job interview. This pageant is part of the annual Festival of Beauty events.

As the July finale approaches, attention will turn to Benting’s preparation and performance on the international stage. Her participation adds another chapter to South Africa’s involvement in one of the world’s major pageant competitions.

July is packed with events across South Africa, offering something for music lovers and those looking for memorable experiences. From  outdoor house music gatherings to lifestyle festivals, the month features a diverse lineup in various cities. Many of these events welcome South Africa’s biggest DJs, live performers, and entertainment brands. If you are planning your social calendar, these are five events worth looking forward to this July.

Ascots

Photo: Instagram

Ascots is a  lifestyle event, which combines horse racing culture with entertainment. This event is inspired by the elegance associated with traditional race day traditions. Guests will enjoy live performances from  musicians, gourmet food vendors, beverage experiences, and VIP lounges. Many attendees spend months preparing their outfits for this event. The event is scheduled on July 4 at Southern Lawns, Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse, Durban. The event tickets are available from R2,750.

Kunye

Photo: Instagram

Kunye continues is a popular South Africa’s leading platform for Afro house and electronic music. Founded by DJ Shimza, the event has brought together local talent and respected international artists. The July edition features a lineup of Afro house DJs, with performances stretching throughout the day. Previous Kunye events have featured artists such as Da Capo, Caiiro, Dlala Thukzin, and Mörda. Kunye has quality stage production, excellent sound systems, food stalls, and cocktail bars. The event will take place at the Pretoria National Botanical Gardens on July 4, 2026.

Read Also: Youngblood Africa Gallery Hosts a Cultural Showcase for the Cape Town International Jazz Festival

The Soirée

Photo: Stella Artois

The Soirée has grown into one of the country’s top social events, networking, fashion, and lifestyle entertainment. The Soirée boasts of an atmosphere where guests can socialise outdoors. There are performances from the best entertainers from the country. Food markets, cocktail bars, and lifestyle exhibitions also form part of the experience. Many attendees describe The Soirée as an event where music meets culture.

Mzansi House Fest

Photo: Instagram

Mzansi House Fest boasts of a rich music heritage by bringing together entertainers. The festival attracts thousands of fans who enjoy deep house, Afro house, and commercial house music in one venue. Previous editions have included performances by Black Coffee, DJ Fresh, Vinny Da Vinci, Christos and Glen Lewis. Each edition introduces a  lineup that represents different generations of music. The date is July 11,2026 and it will take place at James & Ethel Gray Park. The event has become an important gathering for dedicated house music fans from across the country.

Liquideep in the Park

Photo: Instagram

Liquideep in the Park is an event that gives fans the opportunity to experience live performances of some of the top artists.  Liquideep was formed by Ziyon and Ryzor, and is now one of South Africa’s most successful house music acts. Their music has earned several South African Music Awards. It will take place in Lowveld National Botanical Garden on July 26,2026. Tickets are available at CK experience for as low as R250. The event includes performances by Liquideep together with guest artists and entertainers. Visitors will enjoy picnic style seating areas, food trucks, drinks, family, and artisan market stalls.