BIGSOUND Expands First Nations Program With 3%, Uncle Joe Geia and MOB CYPHER

BIGSOUND has unveiled an expanded Goowal Goowal program for its 25th anniversary, bringing together established artists, emerging talent and international First Nations delegates for a series of performances, industry events and public programming in Magandjin.

Goowal Goowal will open the event on Tuesday, September 1st, with a traditional Welcome to Country, 'Gather and Graze' and a Calling for Country ceremony welcoming First Nations delegates from Turtle Island, Aotearoa and Chile.

The opening event will take place at the BIGSOUND Mall Stage presented by Amazon Music and feature catering from Bebe Lena’s Kitchen, founded by Torres Strait Islander woman Helena Levi.

“The opportunity to showcase my kaikai (food) to a diverse range of business professionals while listening to deadly beats — big esso! (thank-you!)” Levi said. “I love feeding my community and I’m thrilled that BIGSOUND, through Goolwal Goolwal and its partners, have chosen to partner with me to show our international guests just how good Mob food can be — no pressure obviously.”

The 'Gather and Graze' will lead into a showcase from participants in Mushroom Group’s First Nations Pathway Program, supported by Coles. This year’s cohort includes RIAH, MINTY, Djunmili Yunupingu, homebody and Kiah, performing as The Violet Summers.

The program has previously led to ARIA-winning collaborations, including 3%, who will be performing a late night set at Crowbar after Wednesday's showcase.

Hey Chica! will again become the home of Goolwal Goolwal, hosting free daily yarns, gatherings and First Nations market stalls curated by Flash Blak alongside trials’ exhibition, 'what’s the colour of love?'

Uncle Joe Geia will perform during the annual Elders gathering as part of his final national tour, marking the conclusion of more than 40 years as a professional songman.

'MOB CYPHER' will also make its BIGSOUND debut at The Prince Consort’s La La Land on September 1st.

Hosted earlier this year by BARKAA and Bianca Hunt, the Magandjin edition will feature DENNI, Nooky, Dallas Woods and more freestyling over a beat created by Ngarrindjeri producer trials.

The free public program will also include Jarjum Sounds with Goodjingburra-Bundjalung performer Lucas Proudfoot on September 3rd.

“I’m so excited to be performing at BIGSOUND as part of Goolwal Goolwal,” Proudfoot said. “Early access to music and dance has not only been shown to improve the development of language and motor skills for our Jarjum but it’s also a lot of fun for little ones and parents alike — I’m thrilled to be showcasing the sounds that our future BIGSOUNDers are currently jamming to on the general public stage this year and I hope to see a bunch of families grooving with me.”

Twelve per cent of this year’s BIGSOUND 100 lineup identifies as Mob, while the conference program includes opening and closing 'Artists in Conversation' sessions featuring trials, Tasman Keith and Kobie Dee.

A limited Goolwal Goolwal shirt featuring First Nations artists will also be sold, with a portion of proceeds going to the Dhadjowa Foundation and The Disappeared Project.

Festival tickets and delegate passes are on sale now, with early-bird festival pricing ending August 17th.