BIGSOUND is doubling down on its commitment to First Nations artists and culture, unveiling a major expansion of its 2026 Goolwal Goolwal program ahead of the festival’s 25th anniversary celebrations in Brisbane this September.
Leading the new announcements are an exclusive late night performance from ARIA Award winning hip-hop collective 3%, a special public performance by legendary Songman Uncle Joe Geia, and the arrival of MOB CYPHER – Magandjin Edition, bringing together some of Australia’s biggest First Nations hip-hop talent.
Opening BIGSOUND on September 1st, Goolwal Goolwal will once again welcome delegates from around the world with a traditional Welcome to Country, Gather and Graze, and Calling for Country ceremony, celebrating First Nations culture while officially kicking off the Southern Hemisphere’s biggest music industry gathering.
Image (left to right/top to bottom): 3%, DENNI, Uncle Joe Geia, Tasman Keith and Kobie Dee
Mob Cypher
One of the biggest additions is MOB CYPHER, which makes its Brisbane debut after launching earlier this year in Sydney. The Magandjin edition will feature performances from Nooky, Dallas Woods, DENNI and more, with acclaimed producer trials providing the soundtrack as artists come together to record an original cypher live.
Elsewhere, you’ll will have the chance to witness Uncle Joe Geia perform as part of what has been announced as his final national tour, marking the conclusion of more than four decades as a professional Songman.
Families are also firmly on the agenda this year, with Jarjum Sounds introducing a free children’s program led by Goodjingburra-Bundjalung performer Lucas Proudfoot, designed to inspire the next generation through music, language and movement.
The expanded program continues BIGSOUND’s growing investment in First Nations voices across every part of the event. Organisers say 12 per cent of this year’s BIGSOUND 100 showcase artists identify as First Nations, while conference sessions, artist conversations and community events will continue to place Indigenous artists, leaders and storytellers at the forefront.
Adding another community focused initiative, Goolwal Goolwal will also release a limited edition merchandise range celebrating 25 years of BIGSOUND’s partnership with First Nations communities. A portion of proceeds will support the Dhadjowa Foundation and The Disappeared Project.
BIGSOUND 2026 runs from September 1st to 4th across Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley, with festival passes and delegate tickets available now.
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