Milk + Cookies, the Atlanta-based creative brand founded by four Morehouse College alumni, is bringing back Milk + Cookies Music Week South Africa in 2026 — and this time, Gunna is headlining!

After last year’s massive debut (headlined by Kaytranada) pulled in over 20,000 fans, the festival is back bigger than ever. The 21-day celebration will run from 24 December 2025 to 14 January 2026, taking over Cape Town and Johannesburg with music, art, and culture that connect Atlanta and South Africa like never before.

🎤 Gunna Live in SA

Multi-platinum rapper Gunna, known for hits like “Drip Too Hard” and “Push Up”, will headline two major shows:

• Cape Town – Kenilworth Racecourse, Saturday 3 January 2026
• Johannesburg – Nasrec Expo Centre, Saturday 10 January 2026

He’ll be joined by SA’s own heavyweights — Vigro Deep in Cape Town and DJ Kent in Joburg — blending hip-hop, amapiano, and house into one unforgettable sound. The lineup celebrates how South Africa’s music keeps influencing the world.

More Than Just Music

Since starting in 2009, Milk + Cookies has built a global name through events for artists like Kendrick Lamar and Summer Walker. Now, they’re using that experience to invest in South Africa’s creative scene — from writing camps and educational panels to merch pop-ups and community upliftment projects.

“We’re coming back because South Africa’s culture sets the pace for the world,” said Chase Freeman, Head of Marketing at Milk + Cookies. “Atlanta’s hustle and SA’s energy just click. Gunna, DJ Kent, and Vigro Deep are proof that this connection is powerful.”

Jhordan Gibbs, Director of Business Development, added: “We’re focused on building the next generation of South African creatives. It’s not just about the shows — it’s about creating opportunities and helping young artists grow.”

Tickets & Info

Tickets drop Friday, 10 October 2025 at 8:30 AM (SAST).

• Get early access by signing up at Milkandcookiesfestival.com
• General tickets available via Howler for both cities
• 18+ only

Follow @milkandcookiesfest on socials for lineup drops and more announcements in the coming weeks.

The Back to the City Festival returns in 2025 to take over Mary Fitzgerald Square, Johannesburg, for an unforgettable celebration of music, culture, and hip-hop. This year’s edition promises to be bigger, louder, and more iconic than ever — bringing together fans, artists, and creators from around the world.

🌍 A Milestone Moment for South African Hip-Hop

Marking another major chapter in South Africa’s hip-hop journey, the 2025 festival will feature Grammy-winning lyricist Lupe Fiasco as the international headliner. Alongside him, a powerhouse lineup of South Africa’s finest MCs, DJs, and cultural icons will light up the stage in a one-day explosion of beats, rhymes, and creativity.

Expect:

• 🔥 Live performances across multiple stages
• 🎨 Graffiti battles and live art walls
• 🛹 Skate showcases
• 🎤 Cyphers & freestyle sessions
• 👕 Streetwear activations
• 🎧 DJ sets & cultural installations

All this in celebration of 50 years of hip-hop — honoring the global legacy and its influence on South African youth culture.

🎟️ Event Details

📅 Date: Saturday, 11 October 2025
📍 Venue: Mary Fitzgerald Square, Newtown, Johannesburg
🕒 Time: From 12:00 PM
🎟️ Tickets: Available now via [TICKET LINK]

Johannesburg is about to experience an unforgettable cultural moment. On Saturday, 11 October 2025, Castle Lite Unlocks brings Travis Scott’s explosive Circus Maximus World Tour to FNB Stadium — and it’s more than just a concert.

Castle Lite is delivering a full-day immersive journey designed for 4,000 lucky fans at The Goldrush Dome, combining music, dance, and brand activations in a one-of-a-kind fan-first experience.

Kwesta Unlocks a First-Ever Collaboration

The anticipation hit new levels when Kwesta confirmed in a video that, for the first time ever, he will be collaborating live with 25K, Touchline, and A-Reece — all on one stage.

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A post shared by SA HIP HOP 24/7 (@sahiphop247)

This exclusive pre-show performance inside The Goldrush Dome will showcase raw lyricism, untold stories, and the evolution of South African hip hop. Together, these voices promise to salute the genre’s heritage while unlocking a new era of sound and storytelling.

The Experience: A Journey Beyond a Concert

The day begins with Castle Lite’s immersive activations, food stalls, exclusive merch, and a vibrant pre-party vibe. Fans can expect interactive energy and surprise brand partnerships to set the stage before the music begins.

• 15h00 – 17h00: Kwesta, A-Reece, Touchline & 25K collaboration — an all-star moment in SA hip hop.
• 20h00 – 22h30: Travis Scott takes over FNB Stadium with his Circus Maximus World Tour.
• 23h00 – 00h00: The Final Unlock After Party — with Focalistic, Blxckie, Young Stunna, and Soweto’s finest dance crew, fusing hip hop, amapiano, and dance into an explosive finale.

Castle Lite’s Promise

“Castle Lite has always stood for unlocking the most unforgettable experiences for its fans. From the minute you step out your front door to the moment you get home, we’re making sure every fan leaves feeling more invigorated than ever before. It’s fan-first, always. Because at Castle Lite, Nothing Hits Like Extra Cold.”
— Colleen Duvenage, Brand Director at Castle Lite

Event Details

📍 Date: Saturday, 11 October 2025
📍 Venue: The Goldrush Dome & FNB Stadium, Johannesburg
⏰ Time: The Castle Lite Unlocks Experience starts at 14h00
🎟️ Tickets: Exclusive access only via Castle Lite competitions & RSVP invitations

This is more than a concert. This is Castle Lite Unlocking the journey, the culture, and history in the making.