For two decades, First Peoples First has been unearthing musicians and providing opportunities for unearthed talent on the national scene.
That's when it's not already bringing massive names out on stage.
2025 ARIA Award winner BARKAA, the synth-heavy dreamy sounds of Arhem Land band Drifting Clouds, Naarm singer songwriter Ruby Mae, rock from Selve and The Terrifying Lows are among the First Nations artists on the line up for the opening day of, and annual curtain raiser for St Kilda Festival.
Once a stand-alone showcase in its early years, beginning in 2006, First Peoples First Day has since joined as a permanent part of St Kilda Festival, one of Australia's biggest and longest running free music and culture events.
It returns on Saturday February 14 at the iconic backdrop of St Kilda Foreshore to celebrate 20 years.
City of Port Phillip First Peoples arts festivals and events lead and First Peoples First director, Fred Gesha, has been involved since 2013.
"We're definitely putting First Nations artists front and centre on one of the biggest stages in the country," Mr Gesha told National Indigenous Times.
Attending crowds have tripled in numbers over the years to around 30,000, he said.
"So that's pretty massive. It's growing, and it continues to grow, and we're getting some of the best talent from right around the country, not just from here in Victoria," Mr Gesha said.
"It's all about showcasing the massive diversity in First Nations music, from our traditional languages right through to our really pumping, powerhouse rock bands that we have now - really contemporary guys that are coming through."
On the main stage at First Peoples First are headliners BARKAA and Selve, with Boox Kid, Ruby Mae and The Terrifying Lows.
Charlie Needs Braces, James Range band, Liv & The Dream, Pirritu, Ricky Neil Jr and Drifting Clouds take to the Optus Stage with Drifting Clouds.
The bulk of the artists return for second sets on 'Big Festival Sunday', with pop icon Jessica Mauboy headlining later in the evening.
Kummargii Yulendji Gadabah (Together we rise up with knowledge) sunset ceremony closes First Peoples First.
"The band and I are so honoured to be part of this lineup. It's absolutely stacked! We can't wait to bring our sound to St Kilda Fest," Ruby Mae said ahead of the festival.
The Wiradjuri artist, fresh off releasing her debut full length 'Baby' in 2025, said First Peoples First is particularly special thing to be a part of, ahead of their first time there.
"Providing a space for Indigenous voices to be heard and shared is what it's all about. It's our first time playing and we think it's so cool to be part of this now 20 year legacy," she added.
View this post on Instagram
The Terrifying Lows - AKA Gamilaroi man Tyler Millott, said he is "stoked" and "honoured" to be a part of First Peoples First alongside "such a deadly lineup of incredible blak excellence!"
"I've always been a big fan of St Kilda Fest so it's an amazing opportunity to be able to get up on the main stage with my band," he said.
"Indigenous representation at music festivals is so important so it's amazing that this festival has an entire day dedicated to just mob. More festivals should do this!"
The late great Archie Roach, Yothu Yindi, Dan Sultan and Baker Boy - before he "hit the big time", are among the biggest names to have grace the First Peoples First stage, Mr Gesha explained.
The diversity of genre, style, language, tradition and new types of sound First Peoples First offers, and will continue to deliver plays a big part in its impact.
As are names who'll draw a crowd, alongside lesser known acts as well as those early in their careers.
"We're trying to showcase the next generations as well, the grassroots," Mr Gesha said.
"I'll sort of plunk them out and put them on a massive stage. It's a huge jump, and it's a big boost in their career to be seen by not just First Nations crowds, but very, very diverse audience.
At times, Mr Gesha added, it's also about "breaking those stereotypes of what people think that Aboriginal music is".
"It's more than just didgeridoos and claps sticks and singing in languages, because we are very dynamic, evolving culture...we come in all different shades, but we also play all different styles of music," he said.
First Peoples First will be held as part of St Kilda Festival on Saturday February 14 from 12pm to 9pm. Entry is free.
Main Stage
BARKAA, Boox Kid, Ruby Mae, Selve, The Terrifying Lows
Optus Stage
Charlie Needs Braces, Drifting Clouds, James Range Band, Liv & The Dream, Pirritu, Ricky Neil Jr
