NAIDOC in the City 2025

Receiving the civic honour of the Keys to the City of Adelaide from the Lord Mayor of Adelaide, for their ‘outstanding contribution to music’, Electric Fields has a long and remarkably diverse history of achievements spanning the past 10 years.

During 2024 they received an ARIA for Best Original Soundtrack Album, took out Best Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Band for the South Australian Music Awards, and at the National Indigenous Music Awards (NIMAs), were recipients of the Indigenous Language Award. They were finalists for an award with the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA)and were chosen to represent Australia in Sweden for Eurovision 2024.2024 saw them performing with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra at the Sydney Opera House; closing the Adelaide Festival with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra; and headlining Garrmalang Festival with the Darwin Symphony Orchestra. In June they played shows in Washington DC and in NYC.

In August 2024, Electric Fields were invited into the Gallery of SA Parliament to witness a motion formally acknowledging and recognising their exceptional musical contribution and representation of South Australia. Following the motion and vote, SA Parliament held a celebration in honour of Electric Fields at Parliament House

Isaiah Firebrace is one of the highest streamed First Nations artists in the world. With a Double Platinum single in Australia, Platinum in Norway and Sweden, and Gold in Denmark with his hit single ‘Its Gotta be You’. Isaiah has amassed over 500 million streams across his original music — an extraordinary achievement which cements him as a global artist.

After winning The X Factor Australia in 2016, Isaiah captivated international audiences when he represented Australia at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2017, performing on one of the world’s biggest stages, placing 9th in the world. Isaiah also performs at some of Australia’s largest community and corporate events including the Sydney Opera House and on centre court at the Australian Open. Isaiah delivers both pop and cultural performances that leave audiences spellbound.

Beyond music, Isaiah is a powerful advocate for First Nations education. He presented a national Change.org petition to Parliament House which was the largest petition of its kind in Australia, calling for stronger education about First Nations culture in schools. In response to his petitions Isaiah authored a children’s book called ‘Come Together’ teaching kids across the country about 20 things all children should know about Aboriginal Culture. ‘Come Together’ went on to be the highest selling children’s book in Australia in 2023 and won the Dymocks Children’s Book of the Year award. It is now a fixture in every school library and helps families understand more about the diversity across Australia’s Aboriginal People.

From chart-topping records to bestselling books and national advocacy, Isaiah Firebrace is more than an artist — he’s a changemaker and a champion for Australia’s First Nations community.

Scott Darlow is a proud Yorta Yorta man, acclaimed singer-songwriter, guitarist, and passionate public speaker with over two decades of experience on stages across Australia and the globe. Known for his powerful voice and authentic storytelling, Darlow’s music blends rock, roots, and country influences with messages of unity, healing, and cultural pride. As both a solo artist and frontman, he has released several charting albums and singles, collaborated with artists such as Shane Howard (Goanna) and Paul Kelly, and toured extensively throughout Australia, Asia, and the US. His band brings a dynamic, polished sound that amplifies the emotional and political power of his songs. With a deep commitment to education and reconciliation, Scott Darlow uses music to challenge, uplift, and connect audiences—making every performance a compelling and unforgettable experience. 

Melbourne based artist Canisha is a soulful singer with an edge, a lyricist whose emotive and playful music captivates and draws you in. CANISHA is a First Nations artist with a captivating exploration of emotion in her music. Her debut EP, DON’T BE SCARED, released in 2024 via Bad Apples Music, showcases her confident and lush pop sound. Canisha’s music is textured and rich, with inviting and warm vocals. Inspired by artists like Adele, Jorja Smith and Harry Styles, she has grown in confidence and purpose, using music to overcome social anxiety and connect with audiences. Most recently Canisha performed the nationally televised Dreamtime at the G, backing Briggs, Paul Kelly, Kobie Dee and Barkaa. She has performed at festivals like Yirramboi Festival, St. Kilda Music Festival, Share the spirit at Sidney Myer Music Bowl and Treaty Day Out. Canisha’s music blends pop sensibilities with soul flavour, marked by raw lyricism and storytelling. She aims to create music that others can relate to and find joy in. 

In 2022, Canisha put herself on the map, performing alongside Briggs, and other First Nations Artists at the Bad Apples House Party. This opened many doors for Canisha, leading to securing a slot at the 2023 St Kilda Music Festival, Brunswick Music Festival, headlining “Blak Stage” at the Retreat Hotel and Yirramboi Festival. Canisha has been lucky to work with and receive mentorship from Candice Lorrae from the Merindas, Bad Apples Music, Bumpy, Tasman Keith and Beatrice Lewis from Haiku Hands. Canisha is a 2023 recipient of the Singing our Futures music program run by the Archie Roach Foundation. During this program Canisha wrote a song with Soul artist Bumpy and will be performing at the Big Sound music conference. Canisha was also asked to be a part of the First Nations Pathway Program run by Mushroom Group where she was mentored by Tasman Keith. Canisha participated in the 2024 Resonate program with NATSIMO where she collaborated with Indigenous artists from around the country. Most recently Canisha participated in the Space to Create program where she travelled to Canberra to the Australian National University School of Music for a week to create music.  

The Violet Summers are a pop/rock band from Yorta Yorta Country, based in Melbourne, Australia. Made up of talented siblings Kiah, Summer, and Emmanuel Darlow, the trio has spent the past two years writing and recording a vibrant catalogue of songs with Melbourne-based songwriter and producer Joel Quartermain (Eskimo Joe, Dan Sultan, Budjerah).

Their debut single “The Giver” was released on March 14, 2025, with its first radio spin airing on Triple J the same day. Earlier this year, The Violet Summers performed to a crowd of over 5,000 people at The Long Walk Naarm event, showcasing their original music to a powerful and supportive audience. With three more singles set to drop throughout 2025 and live shows already rolling out, this year marks a major step forward for the young band. With a fresh sound, heartfelt lyrics, and infectious energy, The Violet Summers are fast becoming a standout voice in Australia’s new generation of music

Cerulean is one of Naarm/Melbourne’s most dynamic and vibrant conceptual performers bringing a refreshing cloud of excitement and pleasure to the stage. As the reigning winner of the national Miss First Nation pageant in 2021 and the Supreme Queen pageant at Sydney World Pride 2023, she is set to propel her way into shaping the future of drag. With 4 and a half years of drag under her belt, she’s performed and hosted at various festivals, clubs and community events around the nation. As a visionary performer, you can expect her to deliver compelling stories through exceptionally fierce and entertaining drag performances that will leave audiences salivating for more.