BIGSOUND To Spotlight Indigenous Excellence With 2025 Goolwal Goolwal Program
Performances hosted by Bad Apples Music, BARKAA appearing on two exciting panels, and more epic plans: the Goolwal Goolwal program boosts BIGSOUND 2025.
INKABEE, BARKAA, Kobie Dee (Source: Supplied)
BIGSOUND has grown ahead of its September return, today announcing its stacked Goolwal Goolwal Program that highlights First Nations voices.
The 2025 edition of the Goolwal Goolwal program was curated by First Nations industry professionals and artists. Goolwal Goolwal, which translates to “Big Sound” in Yuggera language, invites attendees to experience a dynamic display of panels, performances, workshops, and more, all to shine a spotlight on Indigenous communities from around the globe.
The program will offer free events within the dedicated Goolwal Garden, as well as free performances on the Brunswick Street Mall Stage in the Fortitude Valley, Brisbane/Meanjin.
Starting at the beginning of BIGSOUND week on Monday, 1 September, during the music festival and industry conference’s BIGSOUND Eve Welcome Event, attendees will have the opportunity to network ahead of Sandra King OAM’s Welcome To Country on Tuesday, 2 September.
Highlights of this year’s Goolwal Goolwal program include Bad Apples Music hosting Now And Forever: BIGSOUND Edition, with a stacked line-up of First Nations artists scheduled to perform.
Meanwhile, BARKAA will appear on two panel discussions in collaboration with Support Act. She will share observations and advice on the Yarning Strong panel, “Pass The Mic, Not The Trauma: Navigating Parenthood in the Industry,” as well as the session “Leave Britney Alone: Navigating Notoriety.”
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Bad Apples founder and rapper Briggs will share a keynote conversation with Kobie Dee, while First Nations music will be showcased during the Awesome Black Showcase, YANGADA, and Bush Day Out.
The celebrations wrap on Thursday, 4 September, when the Brunswick Street Mall Stage welcomes The BLOCK PARTY CONNECT: FROM BOORLOO TO MEANJIN, presented by FNFOCUS and FLEWNT. The event will feature performances from FLEWNT, INKABEE, Downsyde, Taija, JJ Vacant, and TEHIIRI, along with special guests.
BIGSOUND 2025 will take place across the Fortitude Valley from Tuesday, 2 September, to Friday, 5 September. Discover more about the Goolwal Goolwal program on the BIGSOUND website.
“It has been a fantastic journey over the past years at QMusic, witnessing the increasing engagement and recognition of First Nations artists at Goolwal Goolwal, BIGSOUND and other events such as the Queensland Music Awards,” Toni Janke, Chair of the First Nations Advisory Group, said.
Janke continued, “First Nations artists and musicians play a vital role in the Queensland music industry. Music is a powerful tool to ensure that First Nations voices are heard loudly and proudly.
“Goolwal Goolwal is a signature event that brings people and cultures together through the sharing of music and deeply personal stories that have a lasting and profound impact on everyone involved. We look forward once again to an amazing program in 2025!”
Deline Briscoe from the First Nations Advisory Group & Programming Advisory Group added, “[The] Goolwal Goolwal program feels like family. Elders, youth and everyone in between connecting at BIGSOUND. The program gives us more visibility in the national and international music industries.
“Goolwal Goolwal team invests our time to share the combined knowledge of industry elders and hear the voice of the next generation. We prioritise space for multi-generational events, music and conversations, which encourages a more natural way to connect.”
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