Powerhouse rapper BARKAA will join Cash Savage and The Last Drinks at Sydney's City Recital Hall for Sydney Festival on 11 January, and audiences can expect an electric performance filled with fire, heart, and unapologetic truth.
Known as the 'new matriarch of Australian rap,' BARKAA has carved out a unique place in the music industry with her unapologetic lyricism, raw authenticity, and commanding stage presence.
A proud Malyangapa, Barkindji woman, she uses her voice to tell stories of resilience, culture, and identity. Her debut EP, Blak Matriarchy, not only garnered an ARIA nomination but also cemented her reputation as one of Australia's most formidable hip-hop artists.
In 2024, BARKAA was named Artist of the Year at the National Indigenous Music Awards, a testament to her profound impact both within and beyond the music community. Tracks like King Brown and Blak Matriarchy showcase her ability to balance unbridled aggression with vulnerability, creating music that resonates deeply with audiences.
Her performances are more than concerts—they are powerful experiences that leave crowds both energised and reflective.
Also gracing the stage over the weekend is Tina – A Tropical Love Story, a vibrant celebration of rhythm, resilience, and the legacy of the late Tina Turner. Where the fiery soul of the tropics collides with the timeless power of a cultural icon, this dazzling performance promises a journey like no other.
The story begins in 1993, under the sultry skies of Darwin's Amphitheatre. A young Indigenous boy, captivated by the legendary Tina Turner, experienced a transformative moment that would forever shape his life. That evening ignited not just admiration but a lifelong journey of identity, empowerment, and self-expression.
Written, performed, and directed by the extraordinary Miss Ellaneous (Ben Graetz), this heartfelt production weaves storytelling, cabaret, and stunning drag into a vibrant tapestry.
Mr Graetz bares his soul, sharing deeply personal stories of growing up in Darwin and the profound inspiration he found in Tina Turner's indomitable spirit. It's a love letter to the Queen of Rock 'n' Roll and to the power of transformation.
Joining Miss Ellaneous are some of the brightest stars from the drag, First Nations, and queer performance scene at Wharf 1 Theatre. Expect breathtaking choreography by Sani Townson of Bangarra Dance Theatre fame, soulful melodies from singer-songwriter SIVILLION, captivating performances by iconic drag queen and proud sistagirl Crystal Love, and the grace of Sydney Dance Company's Ryan Pearson.
Together, they create an electrifying spectacle that is 'simply the best'.