A celebration of the diversity of music First Nations artists are cultivating, First & Forever is a new music festival honouring 'Blak excellence and the irrepressible force that is contemporary First Nations culture and music'.
A collaboration between the Mushroom Group, Victorian Government, and Bad Apples Music, First & Forever will be staged at The Gathering Place at the foot of Hanging Rock in Victoria on 27 November, with the line-up handpicked by Bad Apples Music founder, rapper and author Briggs (with a special thank you to Paul Kelly)."For years I'd had an idea for a First Nations-led contemporary music festival, something cool and boutique that was really about the music and culture," Briggs says.
"When [the late Michael] Gudinski called me about a similar idea he'd had, we found this really collaborative working relationship.
"We both had a passionate approach to Melbourne, Victorian music, and amplifying Blakfellas' stories. MG got the ball rolling. After he passed, the ball was in my court. I had to take it home."
The inaugural First & Forever will feature a stellar gathering of Indigenous talent – both experienced OGs as well as the best new artists currently emerging – who'll all perform on the Uncle Archie Stage; a homage to the late artist that comes with the blessing of his Foundation.
Baker Boy, Budjerah, Jessica Mauboy, King Stingray and Sycco are set to headline; they'll be joined by Thelma Plum, Alice Skye, Busby Marou, Christine Anu, Dan Sultan, Electric Fields and Emma Donovan.
Then there's the next-gen names currently blazing their own path: Tasman Keith, Ziggy Ramo, Barkaa, Birdz, Dameeeela, Jess Hitchcock, JK-47, Kardajala Kirridarra, and Kobie Dee.
"My last conversation with Michael just over a week before he died was backstage at Archie [Roach's] concert," remembers Paul Kelly.
"[MG] was bubbling with ideas for a new project, a big concert with headlining First Nations artists. . . he urged me to get involved. I said no to Michael many times over the years and I said yes lots. I'm glad I said yes this last time."
Adds Matt Gudinski, Mushroom Group Chief Executive: "Once Dad had an idea in his head, there was little chance of him letting it go. To see another passion project of his come to fruition makes me very happy.
"Mushroom has always been a big supporter of First Nations artists for decades, and First & Forever is a celebration of the remarkable talent of this country's First Nations artists. Presented in an amazing setting of Hanging Rock, it's bound to be a night to remember."
It always was, and always will be, Aboriginal land.
Tickets on sale from 11am EDT on 14 October.
First & Forever takes place at The Gathering Place (Hanging Rock, VIC) 27 November.
First & Forever 2022 Line-up
Baker BoyBudjerah
Jessica Mauboy
King Stingray
Sycco
Thelma Plum
Alice Skye
Busby Marou
Christine Anu
Dan Sultan
Electric Fields
Emma Donovan
Tasman Keith
Ziggy Ramo
Barkaa
Birdz
Dameeeela
Jess Hitchcock
JK-47
Kardajala Kirridarra
Kobie Dee
Plus more to be announced
