Live Review: Briggs' Bad Apples House Party

When Adam Briggs invites you to a house party, you’d best not turn him down. After all, the Shepparton rapper has developed his 14-year rap game into his own label and also become a TV personality who is not only funny as hell, but quick to call out Indigenous injustices.

Rebecca Hatch @ Sydney Opera House. Photo by Josh Groom.

The opening set of the show was a medley of performances from label signees and friends. Up-and-comers like Sydney’s Rebecca Hatch, whose voice seemed to fill the Joan Sutherland Theatre, are ones to watch, as are Mildura’s Philly and their latest signee, Maroubra's Kobie Dee, whose killer storytelling and flow made you take notice.

Philly @ Sydney Opera House. Photo by Josh Groom.

Kobie Dee @ Sydney Opera House. Photo by Josh Groom.

Nooky performed a typically raw and bristling set, prowling the stage. His declaration that the after-after party was at South Nowra Maccas drew laughs from the mostly full theatre.

Nooky @ Sydney Opera House. Photo by Josh Groom.

Jesswar @ Sydney Opera House. Photo by Josh Groom.

Fijian artist Jesswar performed like she owned the stage, her raps loud and imposing. There was a fire within her that drew the crowd in, as did the NT’s Birdz, who flicked from catchy and melodic to direct and emotional as quickly as he can rap. Each performer was introduced by comedian Nazeem Hussain who kept the night rolling, throwing in some of his solid material during set-up times.

Birdz @ Sydney Opera House. Photo by Josh Groom.

South Auckland’s David Dallas, a rapper that is a household name across the ditch but sadly not as well known here, smashed a solid set, which had the crowd on their feet by its end. This was helped when fellow Kiwi Savage jumped up for a cover of Scribe’s Not Many.

David Dallas @ Sydney Opera House. Photo by Josh Groom.

The act that had everyone smiling though was Electric Fields. They seemed determined to make the most of the big crowd in the iconic venue. Their huge energy on stage had the crowd up from the start. Singer Zaachariaha Fielding’s voice is pure and powerful and something to behold in a live setting. It’s no mean feat to sing like he does, but combine that with the frantic energy on stage and it was hard to look away. If you did, you would catch keyboardist Michael Ross performing sick moves while playing. It was a visual feast.

Electric Fields @ Sydney Opera House. Photo by Josh Groom.

By the end of the set, Fielding looked spent, and so were we. It helped that we all had a smile on our face. The set was passionate, positive and exciting.

By the time the main man Briggs hit the stage, the crowd was well warmed-up. It’s not often a show at the Sydney Opera House has the sort of vibe that this show was providing. 

“Welcome to my house, ladies and gentlemen!” announced Senator Briggs. His show started with old-school tracks from his ground-breaking Sheplife album, and he was not afraid to drop some AB Original tracks in a medley with Nooky and DJ Jayteehazard on the decks providing perfect support.

Briggs @ Sydney Opera House. Photo by Josh Groom.

If the crowd wasn't already frothing, when Dan Sultan came out for January 26 they reached the next level. But Briggs wasn’t finished there. Jessica Mauboy came out to help perform his latest single, Life Is Incredible, with the rapper declaring, “Everything is going to be ok.” The song ended with Mauboy jumping into Briggs’ arms. It was a beautiful moment.