Pictured (left to right, top to bottom): 3%, DENNI, Uncle Joe Geia, Tasman Keith and Kobie Dee. Photo: Supplied.
Goolwal Goolwal will return to BIGSOUND in 2026 with an expanded First Nations program featuring 3%, Uncle Joe Geia, MOB CYPHER, Jarjum Sounds and a new generation of Mob artists.
What is Goolwal Goolwal?
Goolwal Goolwal is BIGSOUND’s First Nations-led program, bringing artists, Elders, industry leaders, community and culture into the heart of the annual Fortitude Valley music gathering.
Translated from the traditional Yuggera language, “Goolwal Goolwal” means “Big Sound”. The program has grown into a major part of BIGSOUND, creating space for First Nations performances, conversations, markets, ceremonies and industry connections across the week.
BIGSOUND celebrates its 25th year from September 1–4, 2026, with Goolwal Goolwal set to open the event and welcome delegates arriving in Magandjin (Brisbane) from across Australia and overseas.
Goolwal Goolwal opens BIGSOUND 2026
The 2026 program begins on September 1 at noon at the BIGSOUND Mall Stage with a traditional Welcome to Country, Gather and Graze and a special Calling for Country ceremony welcoming First Nations guests from Turtle Island, Aotearoa and Chile.
Catering will come from Bebe Lena’s Kitchen, founded by Torres Strait Islander woman Helena Levi, before artists from the Mushroom Group First Nations Pathway Program take to the stage. The 2026 cohort includes RIAH, MINTY, Djunmili Yunupingu, homebody and Kiah, performing as The Violet Summers.
3%, Uncle Joe Geia and MOB CYPHER join the program
ARIA-winning hip-hop supergroup 3% will join this year’s Goolwal Goolwal lineup with a late-night performance at Crowbar following the official showcase program on Wednesday night.
Legendary songman Uncle Joe Geia will also appear as Goolwal Goolwal’s Elder in Residence as part of his final national tour, marking more than 40 years as a professional Songman.
Another major addition is a special Magandjin edition of MOB CYPHER, to be recorded at The Prince Consort – La La Land on September 1. The live hip-hop session will feature DENNI, Nooky, Dallas Woods and more, with Ngarrindjeri artist and producer trials creating the beat.
Home of Goolwal Goolwal moves to Hey Chica!
The Home of Goolwal Goolwal will be based at Hey Chica! during BIGSOUND 2026, with free public programming running daily until 5.30pm.
The space will host yarns, community gatherings and First Nations market stalls curated by Flash Blak, alongside trials’ art exhibition what’s the colour of love?.
The program also includes the annual Elders gathering and a series of First Nations-led conference conversations across BIGSOUND.
Free Jarjum Sounds for families
Families will also be part of this year’s program, with Jarjum Sounds featuring Goodjingburra-Bundjalung musician and children’s performer Lucas Proudfoot.
The free session will run from 11am–noon on September 3 at the BIGSOUND Mall Stage, combining music, movement and culture for younger audiences.
First Nations artists across BIGSOUND 2026
First Nations artists make up about 12 per cent of the BIGSOUND 100 in 2026, with Goolwal Goolwal artists appearing throughout the wider showcase program.
The conference will also feature First Nations voices including trials, Tasman Keith and Kobie Dee, with Mob artists opening and closing key Artists in Conversation sessions.
Goolwal Goolwal will also launch a 2026 merchandise shirt featuring First Nations artists, with a portion of proceeds going to the Dhadjowa Foundation and The Disappeared Project.
BIGSOUND 2026
BIGSOUND 2026 runs from September 1–4 in Fortitude Valley, bringing four days of industry events and three nights of live music to Brisbane.
More BIGSOUND: See the BIGSOUND 100 showcase lineup and YELO’s story on the QLD Regional Showcase.
