Sovereign Sounds Vol. 1

On Saturday November 8, 2025, Sovereign Arts Group shook the Botany View Hotel with a lineup of established and up-and-coming Blak artists who I can fairly say… did not come to muck a round. The night was a beautiful demonstration of mob showing up for mob. The crowd was a big mix which made for an audience that actually acted like an audience. Participating, cheering and even dancing which I feel can be rare these days.

The evening kicked off with Narrandera’s own up-and-coming rapper Beacho. And the lad came barreling out the gate with a mix of hip hop and techno you can shake a leg to. If you see Beacho’s name on the lineup, you know it’s on.

Next up, MICKILLA. Straight from the village amongst the hills, made out of mud and blood from the Mooki River. This Gomeroi artist coming from Walhallow/Caroona mish is a force to be reckoned with and my personal pick for one to watch. MICKILLA had a great ability to vocalise our lived experiences, which enabled the listeners to connect with him on a deeper level, even if it was their first listen. Open ya binas you fullas, these stories belong to us all. Truth teller.

G. Rilla showed up and rocked the house even when he was under the weather. Mad flow, true yarns, big bars and the slickest tracks of the night. Even though there was some communication bumps on stage, G. Rilla still hit like 1,000 grams of uncut to the gut. I’m excited to see where this fulla is hitting in a year’s time. Favourite bar – “When I lose, I still cover the beef, call me Gravox.”

Next up from the South-West Sydney area, Campbelltown’s own T1LLOW. A sincere lyricist that speaks his truth with a steady head. This up-and-comer blazed the stage with some tasty tracks that felt drill but echoes old school hip hop. We even got a first crack at his new single RUN which was a nice finish to the arc of his set.

People were talking up K Law before he stepped on the stage. At this point in the night it was mad to have some melodies thrown-in between all the verses which reminded us all of the healthy marriage between hip hop and R’n’B. With beats reminiscent of your favourite 2010s tracks, the South-West Sydney takeover continued.

Our break from the bars proceeded with RIAH as she took the stage which was refreshing to see a sister shining up there. After catching RIAH’s set at SXSW Sydney this year, it was so good to see her hold the audience in an intimate venue. Finishing strong with a Spawnbreezie cover that had the audience in the palm of her hand.

It's clear that the audience grew before the final two acts. Minty is something special, you know it as soon as he hits the stage. A distinctive fusion holding both R’n’B and hip hop together with raw honesty. The Gomeroi artist levelled the night up with bars and melodies. Writes, raps, sings, plays instruments, has a vision and passion for the art. Orange-based and Pilliga-made with a trajectory so potent you can almost see it. If this lad is on the poster, don’t miss the set.

Finally, Yung Brother closed the night like a bang from a Bondi. A solid set of released and fresh tracks, Yung Googar did it again. Blasting the Botany View Hotel with raw and unapologetic lyrics and if you’re connected then it’ll hit right. This Sydney-based Bundjalung and Wiradjuri artist is making waves and he’s not letting up anytime soon. The night was topped off wholesomely with the entire venue singing happy birthday to his daughter. Happy 3rd birthday sis! No need to make room for Yung Brother… he’s carving his own space and it’s clear to see that in the air around him.

Special mention to Big Tidda Barkaa who jumped up for a few songs on Minty and Yung Brother's set. You know you’re doing something right lads. The crowd is always frothing for a dose of sis. The crowd loved all the new collaborations, put these release dates in your calendar. Ooly c*nt!

Mali and Joseph kept things moving and anchored all night as a solid foundation for all these different artists to operate on. Staunch launch.

All in all, Sovereign Arts Group orchestrated a successful Blakout showcase by mob, for mob. Just the way we like it. An eventful night of entertainment, celebration, laughter, propa yarns and community. Watch out for what Joseph Clarke has in store for us next.

By Jack Hickey and Dyagula

Photo: Minty
Credit: Sovereign Arts group