BIGSOUND’S GOOLWAL GOOLWAL FIRST NATIONS PROGRAM CHAMPIONS INDIGENOUS EXCELLENCE
CURATED SERIES OF EMPOWERED EVENTS CELEBRATING FIRST NATIONS VOICES ANNOUNCED FOR 1-5 SEPTEMBER
Already set to be a bustling hub of activity and creative inspiration this September, BIGSOUND proudly announces its celebration of Indigenous voices today, with the reveal of the 2025 Goolwal Goolwal Program.
Translated from the traditional Yuggera language, “Goolwal Goolwal” means “Big Sound” – as such, this deadly program of events and cultural experiences has become an integral part of BIGSOUND’s programming in recent years. Nestled within the busy district of Fortitude Valley, Magandjin (Brisbane), Goolwal Goolwal invites all attendees to immerse themselves in this dynamic series of panels, performances, workshops and more; discovering the wealth of talent thriving within First Nations communities nationwide. With a program boasting free events to attend within the dedicated Goolwal Garden, as well as a slew of free performances on the Brunswick Street Mall Stage, Goolwal Goolwal is a key calendar component of BIGSOUND 2025.
Curated and led by a team of First Nations industry professionals and artists, the Goolwal Goolwal program represents leaders and the next wave of industry gamechangers; all the while platforming and supporting First Nations artists and creative practitioners at BIGSOUND throughout the entirety of the event this 2-5 September.
“[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.” Deline Briscoe, First Nations Advisory Group & Programming Advisory Group
The Goolwal Goolwal program commences at the top of BIGSOUND week – Monday 1 September – with an official BIGSOUND Eve Welcome Event, a perfect opportunity for delegates and special guests to gather and begin building connections before the rush of both the BIGSOUND conference and music showcase festival sets in. Hosted at the Goolwal Garden, the official and dedicated First Nations space at Fortitude Valley’s The Sound Garden, this event invites attendees to meet and ease into the week together.
“Each year BIGSOUND makes a significant contribution to the state’s live music industry, strengthening the state’s vibrant music scene. As a key part of the BIGSOUND program, Goolwal Goolwal amplifies the stories, voices and sounds of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and creatives.
“The Crisafulli Government’s investment in QMusic and its presentation of Goolwal Goolwal provides an important platform for Indigenous artists, musicians and communities as we prepare for Queensland to take centre stage as host of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.” The Hon John-Paul Langbroek, Minister for Education and the Arts.
Honouring the Traditional Owners of the land and waters on which BIGSOUND is held, renowned community and industry leader, Sandra King (O.A.M) will deliver a Welcome To Country on Tuesday 2 September as part of BIGSOUND’s Opening Ceremony for 2025. As part of this important event, a traditional Smoking Ceremony will also take place, an ancient custom that not only cleanses, but wards off bad spirits and welcomes people in positive energy.
“We are honoured to be producing the 2025 Goolwal Goolwal program and to witness the continued evolution and amplification of First Nations voices within our industry. We are incredibly proud to support the strength, resilience and extraordinary talent of First Nations artists in music.
The Goolwal Goolwal Program continues to provide an empowering platform for both established and emerging First Nations artists. This year’s program will be a vibrant celebration of identity, culture, creativity and community; highlighting the importance of First Nations-led spaces in the music industry.” Kearna Sweeney & Bianca Kemister, Goolwal Goolwal Producer and Assistant Producer.
Throughout this year’s Goolwal Goolwal program, a number of highlight events are set to take place. Bad Apples Music, celebrating ten years of nurturing and supporting First Nations talent, bring their anniversary celebrations to Goolwal Goolwal for Now And Forever: BIGSOUND Edition, on Tuesday 2 September with a deadly lineup of artists set to perform. Having played a hand in changing the landscape for First Nations artists to be recognised and succeed in Australia across the last decade, Bad Apples Music is already looking ahead to its next decade of excellence – a hint of which will be on show for this special celebration.
Trailblazing artist BARKAA brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to Goolwal Goolwal, appearing on two special panel discussions across Tuesday 2 September and Wednesday 3 September. Having navigated a prolific rise herself in recent years, the Malyangapa, Barkindji superstar will be sharing her observations and tips for the Yarning Strong panel, “Pass The Mic, Not The Trauma: Navigating Parenthood in the Industry” – a session dedicated to exploring how to balance social and mental wellbeing with the artistic craft. BARKAA will also appear on the panel “Leave Britney Alone: Navigating Notoriety”, a session created to provide insights on the pressures artists face to speak out on pressing issues, and the impact on vocalising opinions in the public realm.
On Wednesday 3 September, Bad Apples founder and all-round Yorta Yorta multi-talent BRIGGS will appear in an unmissable keynote conversation with acclaimed Gomeroi rapper and master storyteller, Kobie Dee. Taking place at the Fortitude Music Hall, this keynote is set to be an illuminating conversation traversing not only two distinguished careers in Australian music, but also insights into the growth and evolution of First Nations excellence in this country.
Thanks to Awesome Black, Goolwal Goolwal plays host to a diverse and electric roster of First Nations artists on Tuesday 2 September – showcasing the dynamism and defining sounds of contemporary Blak music, in the heart of Fortitude Valley on the Brunswick Street Mall stage. Experience firsthand the artists who are shaping tomorrow’s sound: from hip hop to soul, indie to electronic and experimental, the Awesome Black Showcase is set to champion the next wave of First Nations storytellers, proving First Nations excellence has never been bound by genre or expectation.
The music celebration continues in the Goolwal Garden on Wednesday 3 September, with two special events: YANGADA and the Bush Day Out. YANGADA (Mutti Mutti: to speak), represents the sharing of knowledge and memory through songs and stories – think, Kutcha’s Koorioke and a campfire yarn! Presented by the Bush Music Fund, the Bush Day Out will feature a stellar lineup of talent.
On Thursday 4 September, the Brunswick Street Mall Stage plays host to The BLOCK PARTY CONNECT: FROM BOORLOO TO MEANJIN , presented by FNFOCUS & FLEWNT. Featuring a staunch line up of West Coast talent including FLEWNT, INKABEE, Downsyde, Taija, JJ Vacant and TEHIIRI + special guests, this block party brings an unforgettable series of hip hop performances as part of Goolwal Goolwal 2025.
“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. 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!” – Toni Janke, Chair - First Nations Advisory Group
