First Nations artist Budjerah kicked off first Nova Red Room for 2023

Last night, Nova listeners and special guests experienced the first Nova’s Red Room for 2023 with a performance by First Nations artist Budjerah.

Hosted by Tim Blackwell of Nova’s Kate, Tim & Joel drive show, the event was held at the Piper Room in Ovolo Woolloomooloo, Sydney.

The set kicked off with an acknowledgement of country by Michael West. The 20-year-old Bundjalung descendant Budjerah then showed off his vocals in an exclusive, intimate set that had the audience singing along throughout the night to Budjerah’s hit songs such as Therapy, Ready for the Sky, Higher and a cover of Luther Vandross’ Never Too Much.

Budjerah spent the night interacting with the audience and finished off greeting and posing for photos with fans.

Special guests included Budjerah’s family, writer and actor Nakkiah Lui, influencer Tammy Christina and media such as Emeline Gazilas and Brittany Davis from Studio 10.

Nova executives Peter Charlton, chief executive officer, Adam Johnson, chief growth officer and Peter Colosimo, chief operations officer were also in attendance.

Australia's premier intimate music brand Nova’s Red Room has seen over 300 international and local artists perform live for fans, including Harry Styles, Ed Sheeran, Sam Smith, Lizzo, Miley Cyrus, Tones And I and Billie Eilish. 

The two-time ARIA Award-winning artist took home ‘Breakthrough Artist’ in 2021 and ‘Best Soul/R&B Release’ in 2022 and was recognised with an APRA for ‘Most Performed R&B/Soul Work’ for Higher. In 2022 Budjerah completed his first global headline tour, performed at an array of festivals, and supported Vance Joy on his Australian, North American and UK tours.

Last year he was also named GQ’s Breakthrough Artist of the Year and was recently nominated for ‘Best Single’ and ‘Best New Artist’ at the 2023 Rolling Stone Australia Awards, and ‘Aussie / Kiwi Legend Of The Year’ at the 2023 Nickelodeon Kid’s Choice Awards.