A celebration of Pasifika excellence from hip hop to R&B to contemporary Island sounds.

Expect rhythm, community and storytelling flowing deep as the ocean itself.

Explore The Sydney Festival program

ABOUT UNDERCURRENT

The future of music burns in the heart of Western Sydney with UNDERCURRENT.

Three nights of sonic takeover that amplifies the future facing sound of Western Sydney, presented by Riverside Theatres and Sydney Festival.

From underground electonica to Pasifika Soul, from queer anthems to genre defying experiments. This live music series celebrates the trailblazers and the next wave of artists shaping the cultural heart of Western Sydney.

Joseph Vuicakau

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Joseph Vuicakau

Joseph Vuicakau is a Fijian Tongan-Australian Soul, Jazz & Blues artist based in Sydney, Australia.

With over a decade of experience leading live bands and performing across genres, Joseph blends his Pacific heritage with soulful storytelling.

In 2025, he became a Semi-Finalist on The Voice Australia under the mentorship of Richard Marx captivating audiences with his smooth vocals, sincerity, and spirit.

 

 

Official Performances – The Voice Australia

Blind Audition – “A Change Is Gonna Come” (Sam Cooke)
Watch Here: https://youtu.be/AzD7_M2qrLM?si=AenbQ7zarrHQfc5f

Battle Round – “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” (U2)
Watch Here: https://youtu.be/xU9GiRf7qHU?si=AxN-03DMuSRNMcVq

Showdown – “Let’s Stay Together” (Al Green)
Watch Here: https://youtu.be/788ghvO8uKQ?si=pFZoX_eiITwoG15h

Semi Final – “Freedom! ’90” (George Michael)
Watch Here: https://youtu.be/AtXBRhqwe4Q?si=Y81LZxIRMa7X6ho4

RIAH

ABOUT THE ARTIST

RIAH

RIAH is a R&B singer-songwriter from southwest Sydney. She is of Tongan, Fijian, Italian and Aboriginal (Kamilaroi) descent. Her sound is shaped by her heritage and deep love for 90s R&B, inspired by artists like Aaliyah, Selena, and H.E.R.

RIAH won Triple J’s Unearthed High Indigenous Initiative in 2024 which led her to being handpicked by The Kid Laroi for his SXSW Showcase. She has also supported artists including Miss Kaninina, Budjerah, Electric Fields, 3%, BARKAA, Kobie Dee and more. With a strong sense of identity and a deep connection to her roots, RIAH continues to create music that resonates with authenticity and emotion.

Zion Garcia

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Zion Garcia

A multi-talented rapper, producer, writer and filmmaker, Zion Garcia is one of Australia’s hottest stars of alternative hip-hop.

Drawn to music at a young age, the Polynesian rapper is a product of his rich and eclectic experiences – and a testament to the agility and vibrancy of the Western Sydney scene. Garcia’s singular style of alternative hip-hop, with its melodic cadence, jazzy beats and soulful production, takes its inspiration from a wild array of sources – among them Gorillaz, Q-Tip, Frank Ocean, Earl Sweatshirt, video game soundtracks and the films of Argentine provocateur Gaspar Nöe.

In 2023, he was named among Acclaim’s All-Stars, one of the highest honours in Australian hip-hop.

ACCESSIBILITY

In English.

Wheelchair accessible.

Companion Card accepted.

Assistive Hearing system available (FM).

Find out more about accessibility at PHIVE.

Additional Ticketing Information

$7.95 Transaction Fee applies.

The authorised ticket agency for this event is Riverside Theatres.

Only tickets purchased by authorised agencies should be considered reliable. If you purchase tickets from a non-authorised agency, you risk that these tickets are fake, void, or have previously been cancelled. Resale restriction applies.

Prices are correct at the time of publication and subject to change without notice. Exact prices will be displayed with seat selection. Children aged 0-18 months at the time of a performance may be seated on an adult’s lap free of charge. A valid ticket is required for all children over 18 months.

For more details, please refer to our Terms and Conditions.