Johannesburg is pulsing with fresh energy as Milk and Cookies Music Week takes over the city. This multi-day cultural experience blends global talent with local creativity and Gauteng is at the centre of it all.
With events spanning from Braamfontein to Parktown North and culminating at the Nasrec Expo Centre, the festival connects neighbourhoods, celebrates diversity, and proves why Gauteng is a global cultural capital.
What is Milk and Cookies Music Week?
Milk and Cookies Music Week is an annual, cross-continental celebration of music, fashion, wellness, education, and community. Originating from Atlanta, the event has evolved into a global series, and its Johannesburg edition stands out for its deep connection with the city.
Unlike festivals that arrive with flash and leave without a trace, this one integrates into local spaces. It doesn’t just take place in Johannesburg; it thrives because of Johannesburg.
Milk and Cookies Music Week in Gauteng
From panels and pop-ups to headline performances, Milk and Cookies Music Week in Gauteng goes beyond entertainment. It affirms Gauteng’s role as a global trendsetter, connecting African creatives with the world stage.
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7 January: Dot Connector Panel Sparks Creative Dialogue
The week kicked off in Braamfontein with the Dot Connector Music Panel at ALX. Powered by Music Tech House, the discussion brought together industry leaders, emerging talent, and creatives. The goal? To explore how music, tech, and culture intersect, with sounds curated by DJ Tinx adding rhythm to the thought-provoking day.
7 January: ‘Out The Oven’ Merch Pop-Up Blends Fashion and Beats
Later that evening, Parktown North turned into a creative playground as Grade Africa hosted the Out The Oven merch experience at Neighbourgood. With DJs like Bilal Da DJ, Jade T, Don Delicious, Franadilla, and Lochive on deck, the vibe was as dynamic as the streetwear on display.
8 January: Community Giveback Reinforces Local Impact
Over in Alexandra, the Community Giveback at Lion of Judah was a heartfelt reminder that culture starts with community. The event featured a braai, games for the kids, and entertainment by DJ Vino. It brought together families, friends and neighbours proving that not all memorable moments happen on a stage.
9 January: Wunna Run Club Promotes Wellness with Gunna
In an unexpected but welcome twist, rapper Gunna led the Wunna Run Club – a 5K community run at the Johannesburg Expo Centre. It was about more than fitness. It was a statement: wellness matters in creative spaces, too.
9 January: Rhythm & Roots Panel Elevates African Sound
Later that day, Johannesburg hosted the Rhythm & Roots: South Africa Edition. This private panel featured Ebo Quansah as host, with DJ Maphorisa and Blxckie as speakers and performers. The dialogue centred around African music’s global rise and the importance of staying rooted in culture while breaking into new markets.
10 January: Gunna Headlines the Main Festival at Nasrec
The week reached its peak at the Milk and Cookies Music Festival on 10 January at the Nasrec Expo Centre. Gunna headlined an all-star lineup including:
- Majid Jordan
- Elmien
- A-Reece
- Blxckie
- DJ Kent
- JazzWRLD & Thukuthela
- Elaine
- Fif Laa
- Jinji
- DJ Capital, Kaygo, Baptiste, and more on the Move Mzansi stage.
The festival didn’t just showcase international stars. It celebrated the strength of South African music, placing it shoulder to shoulder with global acts.
A City-Wide Cultural Takeover
What makes this week different is its footprint. Milk and Cookies Music Week is not confined to one venue. It spreads across the city:
- Braamfontein: For ideas, panels, and knowledge exchange.
- Parktown North: For fashion, lifestyle and live DJ sets.
- Nasrec: For major performances and wellness events.
This decentralised format encourages people to experience different sides of Johannesburg, and to discover new spaces in familiar neighbourhoods.
More Than Music: A Platform for Creative Growth
Beyond the performances, the week includes writing camps, networking mixers and industry panels. These sessions open doors for young creatives who often face barriers to access in the music industry.
Workshops and private events like the Writing Camp on 12–13 January offer tools, mentorship, and the kind of community-building that keeps the local creative economy thriving.
Community and Culture at the Heart of the Week
The Community Giveback event wasn’t a token gesture. It represents the festival’s ethos: culture must be inclusive, grounded, and people-first.
Whether it’s giving back in Alexandra, spotlighting streetwear designers in Parktown North, or amplifying independent artists at Nasrec, Milk and Cookies Music Week respects and uplifts the city’s heartbeat.
Why Milk and Cookies Music Week Matters Now
Johannesburg is no longer just watching global culture – it’s shaping it. Events like this validate local talent, drive tourism, and stimulate small businesses. They offer employment, increase visibility for underrepresented voices, and inspire the next wave of creatives.
In a time when local industries are seeking sustainability, cultural weeks like this are crucial.
How to Get Involved
Want to experience the week like a local?
- Attend a panel or a concert
- Support local fashion at a pop-up
- Join the conversation on social media
- Visit milkandcookiesfestival.com for live updates
