The Grammy-winning British soul sensation is bringing her chart-topping hits to South Africa for the first time, headlining two major festival dates in January 2027
South Africa, get ready to fall in love. Olivia Dean is officially coming to Africa for the first time, with two highly anticipated performances at Milk + Cookies Festival 2027.
The British singer-songwriter will make her African live debut at Sandringham Farm in Cape Town on Friday, 29 January 2027, before heading to Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg on Sunday, 31 January 2027.
Fresh from a phenomenal year of Grammy and BRIT Award success, chart-topping singles and sold-out international arenas, Dean is bringing her unmistakable blend of soul, jazz, R&B and contemporary pop to South African audiences.
With hits including Man I Need, So Easy (To Fall in Love) and Nice to Each Other, her first performances on the continent are set to be among the country’s most anticipated live music events of 2027.
Who Is Olivia Dean? The British Soul Star Taking the World by Storm
London-born Olivia Dean has quickly established herself as one of contemporary music’s most compelling voices.
Known for her rich vocals, heartfelt songwriting and nostalgic yet modern sound, Dean draws inspiration from classic soul, jazz and R&B, creating music that resonates across generations.
A graduate of London’s prestigious BRIT School, Dean began building her musical career through independent releases and live performances before gaining widespread recognition with her debut album, Messy, in 2023.
The album earned a Mercury Prize nomination and introduced audiences to her distinctive approach to storytelling.
Her second studio album, The Art of Loving, released in September 2025, took her career to extraordinary new heights.
Exploring romance, vulnerability, self-discovery and the complexities of human connection, the album became a global success, with Man I Need emerging as one of her defining hits.
Other standout tracks, including So Easy (To Fall in Love), A Couple Minutes and Lady Lady, have further established her reputation for combining intimate lyricism with sophisticated production.
From Grammy Glory to Sold-Out Arenas
Olivia Dean’s remarkable rise has been accompanied by some of the music industry’s highest honours.
In 2026, she won Best New Artist at the Grammy Awards, followed by four BRIT Awards, including Artist of the Year and Album of the Year for The Art of Loving.
Her success has extended well beyond the charts.
Dean has sold out six nights at London’s O2 Arena and four performances at New York’s Madison Square Garden, demonstrating the extraordinary demand for her live shows.
Now, that momentum is heading to South Africa.
For fans who have followed her journey through streaming platforms and social media, Milk + Cookies Festival offers the chance to experience her powerful vocals and captivating stage presence live.
And with Cape Town hosting her first African performance, followed by Johannesburg just two days later, both cities will play a part in this significant milestone in her career.
From Grammy Glory to Sold-Out Arenas
Olivia Dean’s remarkable rise has been accompanied by some of the music industry’s highest honours.
In 2026, she won Best New Artist at the Grammy Awards, followed by four BRIT Awards, including Artist of the Year and Album of the Year for The Art of Loving.
Her success has extended well beyond the charts.
Dean has sold out six nights at London’s O2 Arena and four performances at New York’s Madison Square Garden, demonstrating the extraordinary demand for her live shows.
Now, that momentum is heading to South Africa.
For fans who have followed her journey through streaming platforms and social media, Milk + Cookies Festival offers the chance to experience her powerful vocals and captivating stage presence live.
And with Cape Town hosting her first African performance, followed by Johannesburg just two days later, both cities will play a part in this significant milestone in her career.
Milk + Cookies Festival Returns to Cape Town and Johannesburg
Founded in Atlanta, Milk + Cookies Festival has built its reputation on celebrating music without genre boundaries.
Its South African debut in 2025 saw electronic music producer Kaytranada headline the festival, followed by American rapper Gunna in 2026.
Now, Olivia Dean brings an entirely different musical direction to its third edition.
Under the philosophy Never the same sound. Always the same feeling, the festival embraces a diverse range of musical styles while celebrating the communities that bring them together.
Beyond the headline performances, Milk + Cookies is an immersive cultural experience combining music, food, fashion, art and design.
The festival also forms part of Milk + Cookies Music Week, a wider programme of panels, workshops, creative pop-ups and parties, with South African artists, venues and cultural partners contributing to the experience.
With two major events planned for Cape Town and Johannesburg, the 2027 edition continues the festival’s growing presence in South Africa’s live entertainment landscape.
Elaine, Zee Nxumalo, Chelsea Sloan and Jade T Join the Line-Up
Joining Olivia Dean is an exciting selection of South African talent representing different sounds and musical influences.
Elaine, the Pretoria-born R&B star behind the multi-platinum hit You’re the One, will bring her signature soulful vocals and emotionally driven sound to the festival.
Zee Nxumalo, one of South Africa’s rising musical talents, adds a vibrant amapiano influence to the programme, reflecting the genre’s growing international appeal.
Chelsea Sloan, the Hanover Park-born DJ, brings her dynamic amapiano-rooted sets, having taken her sound to international audiences, including events surrounding Grammy week in Los Angeles.
Jade T, an internationally experienced DJ, completes the currently announced line-up with her energetic performances and dance-floor appeal.
Additional artists and programme details are expected to be announced ahead of the festival.
Milk + Cookies Festival 2027: Cape Town and Johannesburg Dates
South African fans will have two opportunities to experience Olivia Dean live.
Cape Town – Friday, 29 January 2027
Venue: Sandringham Farm, Cape Town
Cape Town will host Olivia Dean’s first live performance on the African continent, making the Mother City the starting point of her highly anticipated South African appearances.
Set against the backdrop of the Western Cape’s summer festival season, the event will bring together international music, local talent and the festival’s signature mix of food, fashion and creative culture.
Johannesburg – Sunday, 31 January 2027
Venue: Nasrec Expo Centre, Johannesburg
Two days after her Cape Town debut, Olivia Dean will take to the stage in Johannesburg for the second South African edition of Milk + Cookies Festival 2027.
Returning to Nasrec Expo Centre, the event promises a full-scale festival experience with live performances, food and beverage offerings, creative activations and an atmosphere celebrating the city’s vibrant music culture.
Milk + Cookies Festival 2027 Tickets and Packages
Festivalgoers in both cities can choose from several ticket categories, depending on their preferred experience.
General Admission includes access to the festival grounds, performances, food and beverage areas and public activations.
Golden Circle offers premium standing access closer to the stage for fans wanting to be at the centre of the live performance.
VVIP Tables provide reserved hospitality spaces and hosted service for groups, premium guests and corporate partners.
A Culture Pass offering is also expected, with further information to be announced.
Tickets are sold separately for Cape Town and Johannesburg, so festivalgoers should ensure they select the correct city when booking.
Book tickets:
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Johannesburg: https://tickets.milkandcookiesfestival.com/
The festival is open to attendees aged 18 and older.
Why Olivia Dean’s First African Performances Are Such a Big Deal
There is something particularly exciting about welcoming an artist at the height of her international success.
Olivia Dean’s music has become a soundtrack to romance, reflection and celebration, connecting with audiences through her soulful vocals, relatable songwriting and natural charisma.
Her first performances in Africa mark an important moment for South African fans and another milestone for Milk + Cookies Festival, which continues to attract major international talent while championing local creativity.
From Cape Town’s Sandringham Farm to Johannesburg’s Nasrec Expo Centre, January 2027 promises two unforgettable celebrations of music, culture and connection.
One international superstar. Two South African cities. And Olivia Dean, live in Africa for the very first time.
