We recently sat down with the team at Dark & Lovely ahead of their biggest celebration yet. The streets have been buzzing, teasers have been dropping, and now the wait is finally over — the I Am Dark & Lovely Festival is set to shut the city down on 8 November 2025 at 1 Fox Street. Trust us, this is one event you don’t want to miss.  This is more than just a festival — it’s a full-on celebration of the young, bold, and stylish aura of Black South Africans. Dark & Lovely is creating a platform for consumers to showcase their crowns, their style, and their confidence in a space where culture thrives and groove takes centre stage. Star-studded line-up, unforgettable vibes, and a celebration of hair, beauty, and self-expression like never before.

Here’s the interview.

The I Am Dark and Lovely Festival is set to take place in November. Can you tell our readers more about it, and what inspired the idea behind this festival? 

The festival is on November 8 at 1 Fox Street from 4 PM to midnight. The concept emerged from listening to our consumers, who want to be seen after styling their hair with our product. We’re providing a platform to showcase and celebrate this. Our brand, established over 50 years ago, continues to evolve with the times, catering to all generations, including the vibrant Gen Z. Consumers increasingly seek outdoor experiences, festivals, and concerts, particularly from August to December. So, we created our own festival to thank our loyal customers and highlight our brand’s evolution

Is this the first time you and your team are hosting a festival of this nature, and how prepared are you for it?  

It’s our first time. We’re known for master classes, launch events, and collaborations with magazines and brands. This event marks our evolution. As beauty industry experts, not entertainment, we consulted extensively. We love our consumers and stepped out of our comfort zone to learn. We prepared a detailed checklist, ensuring the right venue, artists, vibe, entry process, and security. Safety is key. We couldn’t host in December due to the festive season when everyone is at places like Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal, or the Western Cape. November is perfect, and we’re ready to host.

 Many people know Dark and Lovely as a leading haircare brand, especially for women. With that in mind, will the lineup focus primarily on women artists? Besides Uncle Waffles, who else can we expect to headline?  

We are a brand that primarily speaks to women who love getting a hairdo and looking great. However, it’s not just women who are styling their hair now. This festival is for everyone who loves our brand, embodies confidence in their hair regardless of type, and expresses their personality healthily. A great hair day means a great day. Our performing artists, including Uncle Waffles, Zee Xumalo, and DJ Zintle, reflect current trends on radio, Spotify, and Apple Music. It’s a vibrant mix of trending artists, appealing to both women and men, without a gender focus.