J’Something and Coco bring Lover's Rock back for a soulful Valentine’s Day experience
Coco and J are the couple behind one of South Africa’s most loved lifestyle brands, bringing together food, family and creativity in a way that feels both personal and authentic
Image: Supplied
Valentine's Day is coming, and it's on a Saturday, making it the perfect day to step outside with your loved one. Immersive festival Lovers Rock is making its highly anticipated second appearance at GROUND The Venue on February 14.
Lovers Rock is deeply embedded in the culture and DNA of romance - a reflection of its promoters at heart, Coco and J, also known as J'Something.
Best known as the lead singer of the award-winning band Mi Casa, J’Something has also built a respected name for himself as a chef and restaurateur. That same love for food is shared by his wife, Coco, who works alongside him to create content that celebrates cooking, connection, and everyday moments.
The couple is bringing together food, family, and creativity in a way that feels both personal and authentic. The immersive festival unites a modern community of food and music lovers for a soulful celebration of love, connection, and culture.
J explained that they created Lovers Rock for everyone, and teased that the real ticket is the general ticket, as it includes everything.
“There are these little pockets that we've created in and around the event - such as the seated dining experience, the picnic experience, and the pecan area - which is curated for a slightly different experience,” explained J’Something.
Guests can expect a thoughtfully immersive festival designed for easy wandering and connection. From a playful, nostalgia-filled corner with classic games, popcorn, and slushies, to curated food and lifestyle markets showcasing artisanal eats, fashion, art, and local finds, Lovers Rock invites discovery at every turn.
Relaxed social spaces like the Mingle Bar and calming Sanctuary offer moments to connect or unwind, while an elegant picnic area and an intimate seated dining experience curated by Coco and J add depth to the day. The musician explained that at"the intimate seated dining experience, one gets the best view of the house and is served and hosted like kings and queens.
“The picnic experience is just as special, just different. It is a curated picnic box done by my wife and I, where you sit out on the lawn, with an umbrella and picnic blanket - that type of situation.
“The pecan area is for if you want to come with a group of friends. It is catered for groups of friends, who can all sit together and experience the magic of Lovers Rock. This is for those who want to do a triple date with close friends, which is really special.”
J and Coco are known as the ultimate foodies, and the menu is a three-course meal that comprises vegetarian and meat options.
Coco explained, “We first start with a beautiful platter of dips and fresh bread. We then get into the starters, which will be an option of butter and roasted tomato, as well as a fish starter. We will have a main option of beef fillet, and vegetarian bean-roasted mushrooms. For dessert, that is still a surprise.”
The one thing Coco and J are aiming for at Lovers Rock is to foster connections among people and to have everybody “feel love”.
“Love from us, from the experience, from one another, and from self. Ultimately, we want people to look back on a moment in time that felt worthwhile. We want people to feel like it was a moment they'll look back on for a very long time and say, ‘Wow, what a special Valentine's day that was’.”
Every touchpoint created at Lovers Rock is to further connection, be it the curated photo moments, the carnival area, or the beautiful food market.
“Connection, ultimately, is the human being's craving to connect with self and with others. I think ultimately what we have at Lovers Rock is a community of people that value connection.”
Thoughtfully designed brand spaces enhance the experience, and for those ready to dance, Lovers Rock delivers over 12 hours of music from a handpicked lineup of beloved artists.
No festival is ever complete without an amazing performance. House-Pop icons Mi Casa are set to headline the experience alongside the historic return of legendary South African duo Liquideep, reuniting on stage after an 11-year hiatus.
More supporting acts, including several of South Africa’s most beloved DJs, will be announced later in February 2026.
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