Tuning into NAIDOC Week: A playlist of First Nations music
Tune in and celebrate NAIDOC Week through the powerful music of First Nations artists.
What better way to get into the spirit of the 2025 NAIDOC theme, The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy, than with music blasting through your speakers? This year’s theme is all about celebrating the achievements of the past while looking ahead to a bright future powered by strong young First Nations leaders, visionary communities, and the incredible legacy of ancestors. There’s no better way to feel that energy than by listening to the sounds of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists. Just a quick scroll through the Australian music charts shows how much amazing First Nations music is out there—and that’s only scratching the surface.
At Perth Festival 2025, First Nations music took centre stage in the best possible way. Our program was packed with talent, from breathtaking fine music performers like Jess Hitchcock and William Barton, to artists like Maatakitj who are keeping language alive through music, to dance floor legends like Agapantha and DJ PGZ who’ll have you moving in no time.
We celebrated trailblazers like the legendary Warumpi Band with Big Name, No Blankets, and we also (hopefully!) introduced audiences to some brilliant rising stars like Boox Kid and Iconyx.
The festival kicked off in spectacular style with Electric Fields lighting up the East Perth Power Station Main Stage, and wrapped up on a high with Bumpy headlining A Night Out West at The Embassy. Along the way, Casa Musica buzzed with music from all over the globe, featuring stunning First Nations talent like Emily Wurramara and her soul-stirring songs, Queen of the Bandaral Ngadu Delta Kankawa Nagarra, and Noongar/Jingili rapper Zero Emcee teaming up with WAYJO for some unforgettable collabs.
Check out our Spotify playlist featuring some of Perth Festival 2025’s First Nations artists. You might find a new favourite—or fall back in love with someone you already adore.
Special shoutout to 2Lubly and Lubly Dae Crew, Poli Pearl, Agapantha and David Milroy and the Wilarra Band – who aren't on Spotify but deserve the spotlight!
Banner image: Boox Kid on Main Stage at East Perth Power Station. Photo by Jess Wyld.
