Media Release
BLAK POWERHOUSE 2026 LINE-UP ANNOUNCED
An unmissable line-up of First Nations artists, including ARIA award winners BARKAA and rap collective 3% has today been announced for Blak Powerhouse 2026—an annual celebration of Blak excellence—taking place on 26 January at Manning House, Sydney University.
Presented by Powerhouse and Indigenous social enterprise We Are Warriors, the inclusive all-ages event will showcase a night of Blak pride and joy through live music and DJs, dance, panel discussions, weaving workshops, interactive art installations, market stalls and short film showcases.
Now in its fourth year, Blak Powerhouse welcomes everyone to gather and experience ceremony and cultural practice.
From 6pm, Gadigal, Dharawal, Yuin, Wiradjuri woman, Aunty Nadeena Dixon will open Blak Powerhouse with a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony. We Are Warriors founder Nooky will continue the ceremony with a dance performance acknowledging Gadigal Country.
Rapper Ziggy Ramo, R&B Soul vocalist Mi-Kaisha and hip-hop rap duo Birdz & Fred Leone will take to the stage alongside BARKAA and 3. Panel discussions led by First Nations creatives will explore themes of cultural practice, connection and power.
We Are Warriors founder and rapper Corey Webster (Nooky) said, ‘Blak Powerhouse was created to change the narrative on that day—to centre mob, celebrate Blak excellence and create a space of pride, connection and culture. This year’s theme is Welcome, where we open our arms to mob and non-First Nations people, inviting them to come together, learn about Country and share in the strength of what our culture offers.’
Powerhouse Chief Executive Lisa Havilah said, ‘Blak Powerhouse continues to be shaped by community, led by First Nations voices and grounded in deep cultural practice. We are honoured to partner with We Are Warriors to present this extraordinary, one-of-a-kind event to celebrate First Nations culture in Sydney on January 26.’
Founded in 2022, We Are Warriors is an all-encompassing cultural movement and platform dedicated to empowering Indigenous youth to succeed by connecting them with First Nations role models. Powerhouse partnered with We Are Warriors in 2023 to present the first Blak Powerhouse which was held at Powerhouse Ultimo.
Blak Powerhouse 2026 runs from 6-11pm at Manning House, Sydney University. Entry is free however registration is required. To view the full program visit: powerhouse.com.au/program/blak-powerhouse
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About Powerhouse
Powerhouse sits at the intersection of arts, design, science and technology and plays a critical role in engaging communities with contemporary ideas and issues. We are undertaking a landmark $1.2 billion infrastructure renewal program, spearheaded by the creation of the new museum, Powerhouse Parramatta; expanded research and public facilities at Powerhouse Castle Hill; the renewal of the iconic Powerhouse Ultimo; and the ongoing operation of Sydney Observatory. The museum is custodian to over half a million objects of national and international significance and is considered one of the finest and most diverse collections in Australia. We are also undertaking an expansive digitisation project that will provide new levels of access to the Powerhouse Collection.