Kee’ahn
Yalanji, Jirrbal, and Badulaig
With a name meaning “to dance, to play” from the language of the Wik Mungkan people, Kee’ahn is a proud Yalanji, Jirrbal, and Badulaig artist whose work captures both the joys and challenges of life, weaving personal experiences of love, loss, and resilience. Her music is a reflection of their roots, growing up in Far North Queensland surrounded by a strong sense of family, community, and connection to Country. “My songs are diary entries,” Kee’ahn explains. “Music for me is connection to culture, community and to self. Singing feels intuitive and meant to be.”
Influenced by greats including Lauryn Hill, Lianne La Havas, and Janelle Monae, Kee’ahn’s music has gained acclaim across so-called Australia and beyond, featuring collaborations with notable artists such as Emma Donovan, Dallas Woods, and Alice Ivy. Their debut single, ‘Better Things’ (2020), earned Kee’ahn the Archie Roach Foundation Award and Best Emerging Artist from Music Victoria, affirming their powerful presence in the Australian music scene. ‘Love You More’ follows the release of independent singles ‘Sunsets’ and ‘Catch The Night’ which had airplay on triple j, Double J and community radio across the country, as well as features from Acclaim, Women In Pop, Beat The Music, Pilerats and more.
Known for her soulful, captivating performances, Kee’ahn has shared stages with the likes of Julia Jacklin, Hiatus Kaiyote, Greentea Peng and Angie McMahon and performed at WOMADelaide, Strawberry Fields, Wildlands, and Beyond the Valley.
Leon Filewood (MC)
Kemer Kemer Meriam, Moalgal, Kaurareg and Kuku Yalanji
Leon Filewood is a Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal comedian who uses humour to build bridges and foster understanding. He is the 2018 winner of MICF’s Deadly Funny competition and the 2026 Moosehead Award, he’s performed on the MICF Gala and Comedy Allstars Supershow. His 2026 solo show Holding Space explored how to choose love over fear in challenging times, blending sharp social commentary with warmth and humour. Leon’s comedy tackles identity, belonging, and political issues while keeping audiences laughing – proving that comedy can be both healing and transformative.
John Wayne Parsons + The Dukes
Yuggerabul and Meriam Le
John’s artistic practice is shaped by a deep commitment to cultural storytelling and musical expression. As an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artist their work draws on the strength of their ancestors and the stories held within community. Through Gospel, blues, jazz and traditional melodies, John creates performances that invite audiences into moments of reflection, connection and shared humanity. John’s goal is to uplift and inspire, offering music that carries emotion, resilience and cultural truth long after the final note.
The Dukes are a cohesive ensemble of highly experienced professional musicians led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artist John Wayne Parsons. Together, they create a refined sound grounded in folk traditions and enriched with jazz and blues influences. Their music honours cultural storytelling while offering a contemporary and soulful experience that resonates across diverse audiences. As a group, they share long-standing collaborative relationships and a commitment to musical excellence, cultural respect, and artistic integrity. The name The Dukes reflects mastery, strength, and timeless musicianship – qualities embodied in both our collective skill and our shared purpose.
Jessie Lloyd
Mualgal, Kaurareg, Guguu Yimithirr and Burri Gubba
Jessie is an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander musician, educator and cultural storyteller dedicated to preserving Indigenous music, supporting teachers and empowering communities through songs, storytelling and education.
Jessie’s second major work Ailan Songs Project is an musical exploration of historical songs from the Torres Strait. Once a global trade route connecting the Pacific and Indian oceans, Australian ailan (island) songs reveal the history of the Torres Straits and adventures during the pearl diving, seafaring and colonial days.
randals dad
Northern Kaantju, Girramay and Badu Island (Murri)
randals dad is a community radio broadcaster, DJ, and event curator across the creative industries. Based in Naarm/Melbourne, he catalogs a wide spectrum of sounds from breakbeat through to footwork, bass to baile – his sound often reflecting what’s being spun on Feel The Floor– a two-hour broadcast on Triple R/3RRR exploring the latest releases from across the electronic music scene, local and international.
Off the airwaves, randals dad is producer and curator working across the music and creative industries. On the dance floor, randals dad has supported First Nations electronic heavyweights RONA., DJ PGZ, and 2LUBLY, global artists like RÜFÜS DU SOL, Sofia Kourtesis, Nikki Nair, and run alongside diverse local line ups with acts like Mothafunk, Kia, Bertie, and Haus of Ralph. From soundtracking the in-between at Golden Plains XVII to community fundraisers, his curated sonic palate is reflective of a noted eclectic music taste, tracing an ability for careful selection and fresh finds, while embellishing the guilty pleasures of his youth. There is no genre off limits when you’re tuning into the frequencies of a randals dad dance floor.
