Blak Powerhouse Reveals 2026 Programme and Performers

Blak Powerhouse, an annual celebration of Blak excellence, has unveiled its 2026 programme, including performances from recent ARIA Award winner BARKAA and rap collective 3%.

Presented by Powerhouse and Indigenous social enterprise We Are Warriors (founded by 3%’s Nooky), 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.

Taking place on January 26th at Manning House, Sydney University, the event is now in its fourth year, welcoming 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. 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.

“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,” Nooky (real name Corey Webster) said.

“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.”

Nooky founded We Are Warriors in 2022, as an all-encompassing cultural movement and platform dedicated to empowering Indigenous youth to succeed. It helps connect 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.

Lisa Havilah, CEO of Powerhouse, 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.”

For more information, see here. 

BLAK POWERHOUSE 2026

Monday, January 26th

Manning House, Sydney Unversity, Sydney NSW

Lineup:

6.30pm Mi-Kaisha

7.15pm Ziggy Ramo

8.15pm Birdz & Fred Leone

9.15pm 3%

10.15pm BARKAA

Panels:

6.45pm Country/Connections

7.45pm Gadigal/Gather

8.45pm Welcomed/Power with Nooky and Ben Miles