BIGSOUND Unveils Goolwal Goolwal First Nations Program

BIGSOUND has unveiled its impressive Goolwal Goolwal First Nations program as part of its 2024 program, revealing who will perform and participate in events and celebrations over a three-day schedule.

Goolwal Goolwal, which translates from the traditional Yuggera language to “Big Sound,” will have events flowing throughout the BIGSOUND itinerary from Tuesday, 3 September, to Friday, 6 September.

Curated by Elders-in-Residence Uncle Kevin Starkey (Nurrunga/Adnyamathanha and Saibai Torres Strait Islander) and Toni Janke (Wuthathi, Yadighana and Meriam); First Nations Music Officer Sue Ray (Gamilaroi/Gomeroi), Producer Kearna Kemister (Wiradjuri), First Nations Support Officer Natalie Lingwoodock (Birri/Kungarri/Byelee/Kabi Kabi/South Sea), and the First Nations Consultancy Group, the Goolwal Goolwal team promises an essential list of events.

Highlights from the Goolwal Goolwal program include a keynote session, Songman: Fred Leone In Conversation, a night of Aboriginal techno and cultural celebrations with Leengkeel Karweeyn (Big Dance), In Conversation with Zaachariaha Fielding (Electric Fields), free shows as part of JBL Live at the BIGSOUND Stage, and more. You can check out the full Goolwal Goolwal program here.

Uncle Kevin Starkey said of this year’s program, “Being the inaugural Elder in Residence for QMusic and BIGSOUND back in 2022, it has been firstly an honour to be able to stand in representation of all First Peoples of this country. It has been equally a privilege, as well as exciting, to watch the growth and interaction between First Nations Creatives and Artists and the broader Music Industry.”

Toni Janke added that it’s “exciting” to be part of the 2024 Goolwal Goolwal program at BIGSOUND. “The strong presence of First Nations artists and arts workers from not only Queensland but right across the country is testimony to the fact that First Nations culture is loud and proud,” Janke continued.

“Music is part of our DNA, and we want to showcase First Nations music to the broader community and to the world at large as the oldest surviving culture on the planet. Ours is a culture that is alive, vibrant and dynamic – ever-evolving and renewing itself through language, song, creativity and cultural expression in all its forms.”

As First Nations Music Officer at QMusic, Sue Ray noted that she’s “increasingly impressed and inspired by the depth and breadth of the First Nations talent we have in this Country. To be involved in producing and delivering the Goolwal Goolwal program has been intensely rewarding.

“I’m proud of the work our First Nations team at QMusic has achieved this year in the production of the Goolwal Goolwal program, and so excited to have the world experience the very best our Country has to offer,” Ray said.

“There will be workshops, yarning sessions, showcases and more, and to witness so many artists, industry professionals and community come together to connect, elevate, and celebrate all things First Nations, will be so inspiring and rewarding.”

Today’s BIGSOUND announcement follows the recent reveal of its networking parties and special events, its complete festival and conference schedule and the addition of 50 new speakers.

BIGSOUND 2024 will take place in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane, from 3 to 6 September. For more information about this year’s event, visit the BIGSOUND website.