Blak music's finest on show at new First Nations festival

The event is the brainchild of powerhouse rapper Briggs and the late impresario Michael Gudinski.

Briggs has curated music festival, First and Forever, with guests Barkaa, Kobie Dee, Jessica Mauboy, Thelma Plum, Alice Skye and Ziggy Ramo. Credit: Getty Images/ Supplied

A new festival celebrating the wealth of First Nations musical talent will see some of the industry's biggest names perform in rural Victoria.

Hosted by the Dja Wurrung, Taungurung and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people, 'First and Forever — A celebration of Blak excellence' will take place on November 27 at the gathering place Hanging Rock in Victoria.

Bad Apples Music founder, rapper and author Briggs said the festival is a way to elevate the talent of First Nations music.

“I feel like we've got all these amazing artists, it kind of felt like, 'Why not?'

"It's always been something that I wanted to do: elevate First Nations artists and put them on a prestigious playing level.

“Hanging Rock... is normally reserved for the Elton Johns and Bruce Springsteens and The Eagles. To be able to do something... like this, at a place like that, I feel it tells the world that the stage is set and our artists are ready," he said.

Yorta Yorta rapper Briggs has curated the talent headlining at the first-time festival. Credit: Briggs Official Facebook

The one-day event will see a star-studded lineup of Indigenous artists take to the 'Uncle Archie Stage', an homage to the late singer/songwriter.

“I think it's symbolic of the artists that came before us, that we stand on their shoulders," said Briggs.

"Uncle Archie was meant to be part of this show. And I felt like this was the best way to honour him, and his contribution... to First Nations artists around the country."

'Come and enjoy it'

First and Forever is the brainchild of Briggs and long-time supporter of First Nations artists, the late Michael Gudinski.

“It came about back in 2020, where Michael Gudinski phoned me up and asked me to help curate this thing. [He] really got the ball rolling. And when he passed away he left the ball in my court.

"So here we are, I had to take it home”.

Speaking of the possibility of it being an annual event, Briggs said “I feel like if we can set a standard and set the mark and set precedent."

"There's no reason that we couldn't do it again."

The rapper said anyone and everyone is welcome to attend the event.

"Tickets for under-12s are free so it's for families as well. Come and enjoy it."

"That's the only message: you don't have to adhere to any kind of political ideology, except for just enjoying great music."

The full line line-up includes: Baker Boy, Budjerah, Jessica Mauboy, King Stingray, Sycco, Thelma Plum, Alice Skye, Busby Marou, Christine Anu, Dan Sultan, Electric Fields, Emma Donovan, Tasman Keith, Ziggy Ramo, Barkaa, Birdz, Dameeeela, Jess Hitchcock, Jk-47, Kardajala Kirridarra, Kobie Dee and more.