triple j and ABC Indigenous are proud to bring you First & Forever, the inaugural festival celebrating Blak Excellence and the country’s outstanding First Nations musical talent. The landmark music event will premiere in a special broadcast on ABC TV and ABC iview at 8.30PM on Thursday 15 December.
Helmed by the Mushroom Group, Victorian Government and co-curated by Briggs with special thanks to Paul Kelly, First & Forever is performed, filmed and recorded at The Gathering Place, Hanging Rock, lands of the Dja Dja Wurrung, Taungurung and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung peoples. The must-watch 1.5-hour special brings together an all-star line-up of First Nations icons, outstanding storytellers, award-winning talents and rising stars.
Hosted by triple j’s Blak Out producer and Gomeroi woman Karla Ranby, and triple j’s Weekend Lunch and soul ctrl presenter, and Torres Strait Islander man Tyrone Pynor, the ABC TV and ABC iview special will feature intimate chats and performances with Jessica Mauboy and Tasman Keith, Kobie Dee, Thelma Plum, Alice Skye, and Budjerah. The truly one-of-a-kind event will also showcase live music highlights from Baker Boy, King Stingray, Briggs, Ziggy Ramo, Sycco and so many more. View the full line-up here.
Karla Ranby says: “I’m stoked to be presenting First and Forever with my brother, Tyrone! In all my years in the music industry, I’ve never seen a line-up like this. It feels like a once in a lifetime show that we’re going to be talking about years from now.”
triple j’s Blak Out host and proud Yuin & Thunghutti man Nooky will also share the biggest live performances and best stories from on the ground in a special First & Forever show on 18 December. He’ll be chatting to all your favourite acts, uncovering the best backstage stories and highlights from the event. Plus, you can follow along at the triple j and ABC Indigenous Instagram and Facebook as we bring you all the key moments from the festival.
First & Forever is performed, filmed and recorded at the foot of the majestic Hanging Rock on the lands of Dja Dja Wurrung, Taungurung and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung peoples, who have worked with each other and First & Forever to name the location The Gathering Place – a name that “acknowledges the power of Country to build community, communication and an equitable future.”
First & Forever premieres Thursday 15 December on ABC TV and ABC iview at 8.30PM, sign up here to watch. Hear it 5PM on Sunday 18 December on triple j’s Blakout, or on the triple j or ABC listen app.
Media Release – ABC
