First Light: Live

After officially switching the lights on for Vivid Sydney 2025 with First Light, the celebrations kick up a notch with First Light Live—a free concert celebrating the power and pride of First Nations music.

Set against the backdrop of Sydney’s iconic skyline at Campbells Cove, this epic live show brings together the next generation of ground-breaking First Nations artists, from Australia and beyond, for an unforgettable night of music, storytelling and connection.

The Line-Up

RONA

Kayteye producer and DJ RONA’s sound is deeply grounded in the vast landscapes of her home, Mparntwe, in the central desert region. Since her breakout release Closure, RONA has been bending rhythms and landscapes of desert Country with the pulse of club culture.

KAIIT

Papua New Guinea-born, Naarm-based Kaiit burst onto the scene with ‘Natural Woman’, quickly earning ARIA Awards and co-signs from Jill Scott and Erykah Badu. Her smooth, feel-good sound and deep spiritual connection to her ancestors make her one of Australia’s most captivating voices.

SNOTTY NOSE REZ KIDS (CAN)

Representing Canada’s Haisla peoples, rap duo Snotty Nose Rez Kids deliver powerful rhymes about life on the ‘Rez’ with a high-energy, genre-bending sound. With six albums, Juno awards, and tours alongside Cypress Hill and Ice Cube, they continue to amplify Indigenous storytelling through hip-hop.

JEREMY WHISKEY

A Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara guitarist-composer from Indulkana Community, Jeremy Whiskey is renowned for his lightning-fast shredding and emotive sound. Formerly of Iwantja Band, his solo work interprets Country, the seasons, and Tjukurpa through masterful melody and texture.

AKALA NEWMAN

A rising dark angel of electro-pop, Akala Newman fuses fantasy, EDM and fierce storytelling with an ethereal yet rebellious stage presence. Described as a “bonafide triple threat” by Urban List, her unapologetic songwriting captivates with bold, otherworldly energy.