Indigenous artists are set to star among the first 100 showcase acts for BIGSOUND's 25th anniversary show in Fortitude Valley, Magandjin (Brisbane), September 1-4.
Announced on Monday, the BIGSOUND 100 will perform across 15 venues over three nights, with the wider industry conference to run under the theme Creativity in Conversation.
The announcement follows a strong 2025 event, when BIGSOUND's Goolwal Goolwal program helped centre First Nations artists, industry talks and mob-led spaces across the Valley.
Last year's program included established artists highlighting performers such as BARKAA, BRIGGS as BIG NOTER, Kaiit, Fred Leone, INKABEE, JJ Vacant, Taija, Charlie Needs Braces, BIRREN, Kayps and Yung Maynie.
The 2025 event generated $20 million in economic impact for Queensland, with this year's anniversary program aiming to build on that momentum.
This 2026 showcase artists include: AKOSIA (Ghanaian-Australian); Bala Rontu (Papua New Guinean, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander); Djawarray and Mayi Wunba Dancers (Djabugay and Western Yalanji); Greatsouth (Māori); Jem Cassar-Daley (Gumbaynggirr and Bundjalung); JJ Vacant (Noongar, Wongi and Pitjantjatjara); Kiz (Palawa); Kyla Belle (Gomeroi); Lightyears; MOKOMOKAI (Māori); Ngaiire (Papua New Guinean-Australian); nightdive; Ricky Neil Jr. (Noongar); Ruby Mae (Wiradjuri); Say True God? (Mandandanji, Waanyi); and Zipporah (Samu and Suy, Saibai Island).
Birri, Kabi Kabi, Byelee and South Sea Islander woman and QMusic First Nations Support Officer Natalie Lingwoodock said the program would bring Blak artists and Culture into the centre of BIGSOUND.
"I'm excited to be welcoming 12 Blak artists to showcase at BIGSOUND 2026 as well as the deadly talent coming from across the pond," Ms Lingwoodock said.
"I'm anticipating a week full of Blak joy, Blak reflection and Culture! As 'the' music event of the year, it will serve as a reminder that Mob and First Nations people globally have a lot to contribute to industry and community.
"This year the BIGSOUND program is interwoven with Goolwal Goolwal and the Goolwal Garden will return with yarning circles, workshops, market and gallery."
The 2026 program also includes Ngarrindjeri producer trials, as part of the Artist In Conversation line-up, entering the program still fresh from releasing his debut solo album 'Hendle', which marked a new chapter in his already long-standing music career.
Spotify will power the BIGSOUND 100 backline this year, helping cover live performance costs such as amps, drum kits and other equipment used on stage.
BIGSOUND said its 25th year would continue the event's role as a place for music discovery, industry connection and global relationship building.
The 2026 showcase has been curated by BIGSOUND programmers Casey O'Shaughnessy and Katie Rynne in consultation with an expert board of artists and music professionals.
Theysaid the line-up reflected the strength of new music across Australia and Aotearoa.
"We're incredibly proud of this year's lineup," Ms O'Shaughnessy and Ms Rynne said.
"We were, yet again, blown away by the quality of applications and we believe the artists selected reflect the creativity, ambition and world-class talent emerging from Australia and New Zealand."
Delegate and festival passes are on sale through the BIGSOUND website.
Delegate early bird passes are available until June 30 at $699, or $649 for QMusic subscribers and reciprocal members.
Three-night festival passes are $100 during early bird pricing until July 31, before moving to $129.
One-night festival passes are $50 during early bird pricing, before moving to $69, with youth and concession one-night tickets available for $30.
