CIAF celebrates QMusic win for Opening Night headliner Djawarray

Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) has congratulated Djabugay and Western Yalanji songman Djawarray (Bertie Riley) on being named 2026 Regional Artist of the Year at the QMusic Awards, ahead of his headline performance at CIAF 2026 Opening Night.

The award, announced on 22 April in Brisbane, comes as Djawarray prepares to take centre stage as a headliner for CIAF 2026 Opening Night at Tanks Arts Centre on Thursday 9 July, where he will deliver a powerful full-scale production featuring the Mayi Wunba Dancers.

Deeply grounded in culture, Country and connection, Djawarray’s Opening Night performance will weave together new material with revitalised songs from his earlier band, Gudju Gudju, performed in a dynamic mix of English, Djabugay, and Western Yalanji languages that embody CIAF’s 2026 theme, Reclamation & Regeneration.

CIAF Artistic Director Teho Ropeyarn said the recognition speaks to the cultural authority and creative leadership Djawarray brings to the stage.

“Djawarray’s work reflects the living strength of culture through music, language and storytelling. His performance at CIAF will be a powerful expression of renewal and continuity,” Mr Ropeyarn said.

“Ensuring knowledge is carried forward through song, performance, and artistic practice, the revival of traditional language is central to this year’s theme,” he said.

A respected Elder, mentor and cultural knowledge-holder across the Kuranda and broader Far North Queensland communities, Djawarray’s influence extends well beyond music, with deep connections across Gimuy/Cairns, Gurambilbarra/Townsville and Bwgcolman/Palm Island. 

In accepting this week’s QMA award, Djawarray dedicated the honour to his community.

“This is for all the people of Kuranda, especially my family.

“Most of all, this is for the next generation. I hope our young people can see what is possible if you put your mind to it,” he said.

Djawarray has also acknowledged his bandmates, thanking the members of Koahlition Reggae Band for their “continuing efforts, determination and support.”

Djawarray said opening CIAF 2026 holds special significance.

“I’m really proud to be opening CIAF. It’s a powerful space where culture, art and community come together,” he said.

“To be on stage sharing my music and story, alongside Mayi Wunba, means a lot.”

CIAF 2026 Opening Night will feature a dynamic line-up of First Nations performers, including acclaimed Zenadth Kes/Torres Strait Islander dance troupe Naygayiw Gigi (Northern Thunder), Circa Cairns, Yidinji Dancers and rising R’N’B, Soul and Hip Hop artist Kaybee (Kirsty Burchill), who is set to release new music in the lead-up to the Fair.

The evening will bring together contemporary performance and cultural storytelling in a large-scale celebration of Queensland’s First Nations cultures, launching four days of art, culture and connection. 

CIAF 2026 Opening Night: A Night of Power, Presence and Performance

A night of power, presence and performance, the 2026 Opening Night lineup features a dynamic convergence of contemporary performance and cultural storytelling, including:

• Naygayiw Gigi (Northern Thunder): The award-winning Zenadth Kes/Torres Strait Islander dance troupe based in Bamaga in Queensland’s Northern Peninsula Area
• Circa Cairns: Premiering a bold new First Nations-led physical theatre work
• Djawarray: Djabugay and Western Yalanji custodian and songman
• Yidinji Dancers: Gu Gu Yalanji cultural leaders with more than four decades of performance history
• Kaybee (Kirsty Burchill): Triple J Unearthed artist blending R’N’B, Soul and Hip Hop

The evening begins with a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony and along with the stellar First Nations talent and traditions on show, features immersive installations, curated food experiences and the simultaneous opening of the CIAF Art Fair Showcase and Artisans Showcase across the precinct.

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