If you’re looking for a way to spend January 26 that centres culture, creativity and community, Blak Powerhouse belongs firmly at the top of your list. Back for its fourth iteration, this celebration of Blak excellence is returning to Sydney for 2026 – away from its original Powerhouse location (the Ultimo site is currently under construction), but with its biggest line-up yet.
Set to light up Manning House at the University of Sydney on January 26, the free, all-ages event has announced an impeccable roster of First Nations artists, led by ARIA Award-winning rapper (and winner of the inaugural NSW First Nations Music Prize) BARKAA and powerhouse rap collective 3%. Now in its fourth year, Blak Powerhouse is an annual celebration of Blak pride, joy and cultural strength – and it’s quickly become one of the city’s most meaningful dates on the cultural calendar.
Presented by Powerhouse and Indigenous social enterprise We Are Warriors, Blak Powerhouse 2026 is about far more than live music. Kicking off at 6pm, the evening will unfold as a beautifully diverse celebration of culture, featuring DJs, dance performances, panel discussions, weaving workshops, interactive art installations, market stalls and short film showcases – all designed to create space for connection, learning and community.
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The night will open with a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony led by Aunty Nadeena Dixon, a Gadigal, Dharawal, Yuin and Wiradjuri woman, followed by a ceremonial dance performance from We Are Warriors founder Nooky (one of Time Out Sydney’s Future Shapers for 2024), acknowledging Gadigal Country and setting the tone for the evening.
From there, the live music kicks off in earnest. Alongside BARKAA and 3%, the line-up includes Ziggy Ramo, R&B soul vocalist Mi-Kaisha, and hip-hop duo Birdz & Fred Leone, delivering a soundtrack that spans rap, soul and storytelling.
Between sets, panel discussions led by First Nations creatives will explore themes of cultural practice, connection and power, offering moments of reflection alongside celebration.
For Nooky, Blak Powerhouse is about reclaiming space and shifting the narrative around January 26.
“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,” he says.
“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 CEO Lisa Havilah echoed that sentiment, calling the event “community-shaped, First Nations-led and grounded in deep cultural practice.”
Blak Powerhouse 2026 will run from 6-11pm at Manning House, Sydney University. Entry is free, but you'll need to register to secure your spot.
You can check out the full program and register to attend over here.
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