BIGSOUND 2025 has come to a close, leaving performers, staff and the community full after a week of Indigenous-led events and shows.

Festival events included 'Writing Loud, Writing Blak', which questioned how to authentically critique Blak music and culture, with Awesome Black leading a conversation about responsibility, honesty and the power of First Nations commentary.

The Songwriting & Dreaming Circle, hosted by Gungarri man Peter Thornley of Old Lore, brought participants together to share stories, co-write, and learn about practical steps beyond the session.

'First Nations Strong or Performative Inclusion' asked whether Indigenous inclusion in line-ups is authentic or tokenistic, with Kiwat Kennell and others challenging the industry to move beyond diversity optics.

Blak Love & 808s, led by Keely, explored the cultural and political role of First Nations R&B, framing Blak Love as both creative innovation and resistance.

Live music across Fortitude Valley and Brunswick Street Mall featured c_h__l_o_e, Taija, FLEWNT, JJ VACANT, INKABEE, Charlie Needs Braces, Akala Newman, BIRREN, Kayps, Kaiit, Denzel Kennedy, James Range Band, BADASSMUTHA, homesick, Buddy Knox, Nate G, RNZO, Yung Maynie, Fred Leone, BARKAA, BRIGGS and Langwij.

Mr Thornley spoke to the powerful energy of the festival.

"The energy has been so positive - it's really about coming together and it's something that I really believe in," he said.

"That's what BigSound is - marching towards that same goal and representing First Nations and Australian music at an international level."

INKABEE enjoyed his time in a new city and connecting with the local community.

"Seeing all the mob out there has been really nice to connect with, it's crazy," he said.

Standout sets included BRIGGS performing as Big Noter, BARKAA's closing act, Kaiit's soul-driven performance, and Fred Leone's powerful stage presence.

The Goowal Garden provided a central hub for mob to connect, rest and talk through the week's high energy.

On the final night, the 'Block Party Connect: From Boorloo to Magandjin' filled Brunswick Street Mall with FN Focus acts FLEWNT, INKABEE, JJ VACANT and TEHRRI, drawing a large crowd.

JJ VACANT described it as "One of the most unreal experiences I've ever had".

"What they are trying to do is keep us separated because they know once we are together we hold that power and that strength," JJ VACANT said.

"Things like this are so important so that we can pass down knowledge and music."

After a high-energy and flawless set on the first night, BRIGGS encouraged the next generation of artists to do everything they can to put themselves out there in the world.

"It's great to see the next gen together right now, doing their thing," he said.

"My message for young artists is always, you need to do 1000 shows... that's what makes the difference.

"If you can do a great performance on stage... that will make you a better artist."