Adelaide’s pride and joy, now international star, Tkay Maidza, plays her first Melbourne show in over two years—taking the stage at The Forum with a special show designed just for RISING. Maidza is a fountain of positivity and empowerment; a rapid-fire lyricist and rapper staking her claim.

With stardom beckoning following the release of her debut album TKAY, Maidza took a U-turn. She released her turbo-charged EP trilogy—Last Year Was Weird, Vol. 1,2 and 3—releases that saw Maidza dive into neo-soul, grimy low-end frequencies and experimental pop. Now lauded by taste-making music publications, Maidza’s graduated from the beloved stage of Meredith Music Festival, to opening for Billie Eilish across the USA in February. The Zimbabwe-born artist won’t wait around, catch her at The Forum while you can—your next chance might be from the nosebleed section.

Support on the night comes from Melbourne producer and rapper, IJALE. Coming in hot off the back of his 2021 mixtape, OTTN (On to the Next), IJALE blends Afrocentric sounds with Western influences, in a reflection of his Nigerian heritage and Australian upbringing. He can go breezy or hard—either way, IJALE turns it up.