First Nations musician DOBBY is returning to the stage at the 2025 Sydney Festival this month.
Featuring in the festival's 2025 Blak Out program, the proud Murrawarri-Filipino rapper and drummer will present his moving and immersive debut album, WARRANGU; River Story - an urgent call to take action and care for Country.
WARRANGU delves into the cultural history of the Bogan, Culgoa and Barwon Rivers in Brewarrina, NSW. DOBBY reconnects with his ancestral roots and rallies against the grave ecological damage from over-irrigation and water theft in the Murray-Darling Basin.
Driven by the almond and cotton industries, the result has been severe droughts, bushfires and historic fish kills. With even harsher conditions expected, WARRANGU provides a platform to educate the public and protest corporate greed, with tracks like "Water" and "Language Is In The Land" taking aim at the dire effects of illegal irrigation.
WARRANGU; River Story aims to inspire community-led efforts against the commodification and privatisation of crucial water supplies.
Running from January 4-26, the international arts festival is an opportunity for locals and visitors rediscover the city differently, whilst engaging, watching and being immersed in a range of experiences, events and performances - one of those experiences being the events impressive Blak Out program.
The 2025 Blak Out program, as curated by Sydney Festival's creative artist in residence Jake Nash, works to unite some of Australia's most talented First Nations artists to share their powerful stories, challenge perspectives and honour truths in a special month-long program.
"Politics have moved too slowly for us. The conversations we want to have as blackfellas haven't happened as fast as we want. So I look to our artists, our storytellers, and community leaders to shape the narrative we want to share," Nash said.
Over three weeks in January, a new gathering space at Barangaroo Reserve will be home to much of the free and community Blak Out program.
John Graham, NSW minister for the arts, also shared his excitement about the program and it's ability to profile and support First Nations artists and creatives.
"Sydney Festival has timing on its side, delivering a burst of cultural expression and artistic activity from January 4 when the city is largely off work and ready to celebrate and explore during the long hot days and nights," he said.
"This year's edition puts First Nations artists at the forefront and brings new international works to Australia to ignite and inspire audiences. I encourage everyone to hunt through the program, attend and see what Sydney Festival 2025 has to offer."
Known for his electric energy and powerful lyrics, DOBBY is set to steal the attention of both patrons and press at this year's festival.
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