BIGSOUND has unveiled the full program for Goolwal Goolwal, its flagship Indigenous-led program, set to take place from 1 to 5 September in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane.
Goolwal Goolwal, which means "Big Sound" in Yuggera language, has become a central part of the festival in recent years.
The program features performances, panels, workshops and networking opportunities that elevate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices in the music industry.
It is curated and led by a team of Indigenous professionals and artists, ensuring that the program reflects the experiences and priorities of community.
Gugu Yalanji woman, Deline Briscoe said the program offered visibility and intergenerational connection.
"Goolwal Goolwal program feels like family. Elders, youth and everyone in between connecting at BIGSOUND," she said.
"The program gives us more visibility in the national and international music industries."
The program officially begins on Monday 1 September with the BIGSOUND Eve Welcome Event, held at the Goolwal Garden - the festival's dedicated First Nations space located at the Sound Garden in Fortitude Valley.
Delegates and guests will be welcomed ahead of the official conference and music showcase.
On Tuesday 2 September, Sandra King OAM will deliver a Welcome to Country during BIGSOUND's official Opening Ceremony.
A traditional Smoking Ceremony will follow, setting the cultural tone for the week.
Bad Apples Music will headline a major event on Tuesday night, marking its ten-year anniversary with a showcase titled 'Now and Forever: BIGSOUND Edition.'
The label, founded by Yorta Yorta rapper BRIGGS, has been instrumental in supporting Indigenous musicians and shaping the national music landscape.
The showcase will feature a strong lineup of Indigenous artists who reflect the label's legacy and forward direction.
BRIGGS will also feature in a keynote conversation with Gomeroi rapper Kobie Dee at the Fortitude Music Hall on Wednesday 3 September.
The discussion will focus on their personal journeys, their leadership roles in the industry, and the continued growth of Black excellence across music and media.
Malyangapa, Barkindji artist BARKAA will appear across two panels curated in partnership with Support Act.
On Tuesday she will join the 'Pass The Mic, Not The Trauma: Navigating Parenthood in the Industry' panel, which will explore the complexities of parenting while maintaining a career in music.
On Wednesday, BARKAA will take part in 'Leave Britney Alone: Navigating Notoriety', a session examining the pressures placed on artists to speak out on social issues and the impacts of public scrutiny.
Tuesday will also feature the Awesome Black Showcase on the Brunswick Street Mall stage, spotlighting a mix of contemporary Indigenous artists.
The lineup will include performers from across genres such as hip hop, soul, indie, electronic and experimental music, offering audiences a glimpse into the next wave of First Nations creativity.
Wednesday's Goolwal Garden program will include 'YANGADA' and 'Bush Day Out,' both aimed at creating community through shared storytelling and performance.
'YANGADA' meaning "to speak" in the Mutti Mutti language - will feature campfire-style yarning and live music, including a performance by Mutti Mutti artist Kutcha Edwards.
'Bush Day Out,' presented by the Bush Music Fund, will include a full afternoon of acoustic sets and cultural exchange.
On Thursday 4 September, 'The BLOCK PARTY CONNECT: FROM BOORLOO TO MEANJIN' will bring together a high-energy collection of Aboriginal artists from Western Australia.
This lineup includes FLEWNT, INKABEE, Downsyde, Taija, JJ Vacant and TEHIIRI, with special guests set to appear throughout the event.
Kearna Sweeney and Bianca Kemister, producers of the program, said the festival continues to provide a platform for established and emerging artists.
"We are honoured to be producing the 2025 Goolwal Goolwal program and to witness the continued evolution and amplification of First Nations voices within our industry," she said.
Toni Janke, Chair of the First Nations Advisory Group, said Goolwal Goolwal has grown into a signature event.
"Music is a powerful tool to ensure that First Nations voices are heard loudly and proudly. Goolwal Goolwal brings people and cultures together through the sharing of music and deeply personal stories that have a lasting and profound impact on everyone involved."
Tickets for BIGSOUND 2025 are on sale now.