Opening the night was Belfast-based YINYANG, whose genre-blurring sound brought a heavier edge to the intimate Upstairs room at Whelan’s. Her music mixes punk-edged hip-hop, dark electronics and alternative influences, with a performance style built around intensity and controlled chaos. Earlier this year she released her debut EP, The Lotus Throne, a record centred around transformation, self-belief and pushing through difficult experiences. Onstage, YINYANG delivered the material with a restless confidence that suited the small room perfectly. It was a strong opening set and a fitting introduction to a night built around bold, uncompromising artists.
When Miss Kaninna took to the stage, it quickly became clear why her live performances have become such an important part of her growing reputation. The Bruny Island, Tasmania-raised artist is a proud Yorta Yorta, Dja Dja Wurrung, Kalkadoon and Yirendali woman, with her identity and community deeply woven through her music. She blends hip-hop with R&B, soul and pop influences, moving comfortably between sharp rap delivery, melodic vocals and more vulnerable moments.
Between songs, Kaninna also spoke about how much being on that stage meant to her and how difficult the journey had been. She expressed her gratitude for being able to travel the world through music, particularly considering her beginnings in Tasmania, where opportunities for emerging artists were far more limited. That contrast between where she started and performing a headline show on the other side of the world gave those moments extra weight.
Her rise since releasing ‘Blak Britney’ in 2023 has been impressive, with the track earning three ARIA nominations and helping establish her as one of Australia’s most exciting new voices. More recently, she toured the UK and Europe with Kneecap and continues to build momentum ahead of her upcoming BLACKPRINT mixtape. In Whelan’s, that momentum translated into a powerful and personal performance from an artist who clearly understood how far she had travelled to reach that room.
YINYANG photos:
Miss Kaninna photos:
Photos & words – Zoltán Szabó @mrzoltanphoto