RIAH is an R&B singer-songwriter from southwest Sydney, proudly of Tongan, Fijian, Italian, and Aboriginal (Kamilaroi) descent. Influenced by her rich cultural background and a deep love for '90s R&B, her sound draws inspiration from artists like Aaliyah, Selena, and H.E.R. In 2024, RIAH won Triple J's Unearthed High Indigenous Initiative, leading to a handpicked spot in The Kid Laroi's SXSW showcase. She has also supported acclaimed artists including Budjerah, Electric Fields, BARKAA, Kobie Dee, Miss Kannina and 3%. Through honest storytelling and soulful vocals, RIAH creates music grounded in identity, emotion and connection.

homebody is a Wiradjuri artist creating left-field electronic music and textured soundscapes within her music. Her production weaves together real life and the spaces in between, shaped by both her roots and the present moment. Often made at home, homebody produces with her computer alongside her own live recordings of local fauna, landscapes and spoken word.

MINTY is a Gomeroi artist shaping a distinct lane in Australian hip hop, blending melodic songwriting with raw, emotionally charged rap. Emerging from Orange in regional Western NSW, he began producing and recording at 15 his 2026 release, Rainfall, marked a major step forward, earning strong radio support and positioning him as one of the most compelling new voices in the industry. In 2025, he was named an Acclaim All Stars finalist, further cementing his growing reputation. His live presence continues to build momentum through performances alongside major national acts, including ARIA winners 3% on their Kill the Dead tour and BARKAA on her Big Tidda tour. Grounded in culture and driven by purpose, MINTY is part of a new wave of First Nations artists reshaping the sound and story of Australian music. This is only the beginning.

Wadawurrung man & electronic artist Moss has begun cementing his bass-driven footprint in his motherland of Australia and beyond. With records featuring the likes of Genesis Owusu, Example, Ngaiire, Boo Seeka, William Barton and Goanna, the Magandjin (Brisbane) based producer is on his way to the global charts. Having already played alongside some of the heaviest hitters in the industry as well - Skrillex, RL Grime, Flosstradamus, Marshmello, just to name a few - Moss has positioned himself as a producer capable of rubbing shoulders with the world's best.

Akala Newman is a rising dark angel of Alt-pop — a proud Wiradjuri/Gadigal artist blending future-pop, alternative R&B, and experimental electronic sounds with language, lineage, and fierce storytelling. Described at SXSW Sydney 2025 by Rolling Stone as "a true crowd igniter," she has performed at major events including Vivid Sydney, Sydney Festival, and Sydney New Year's Eve Fireworks. Her latest EP (A)RISE — created during a rural Greece residency, supported by Sound NSW — explores transformation, ancestry, and self through ethereal club energy and powerful cultural resonance. Featuring the acclaimed single Shark with Rei (Aotearoa), Akala continues to push boundaries of what First Nations music can sound like.

Inspired by Kendrick Lamar and Mos Def, Naarm-based Aboriginal and Fijian rapper and producer Miles Nautu has quickly earned acclaim for his lyrically sharp, jazz-infused hip-hop. His debut EP, 'ALLUDE' (2024), showcased jazz-hop drums, boom-bap swing, bass-heavy grooves and a laid-back, incisive flow, earning support from Triple J, KEXP, BBC Radio 6 and topping the North American Community & College (NACC) radio charts. His recent releases have pushed his sound further, leading into the upcoming EP, 'the front' (July 2026). Miles worked with tracked instrumentation and a co-producer, ARIA-winner Nikodimos, Miles is also known for his BIGSOUND award-winning live shows, performing with a tight jazz band at festivals including Promiseland, Laneway, PANAMA, Meadow and at the Sydney Opera House.

Djunmili is an emerging indigenous Yolŋu artist and music producer. Born into a renowned musical family that includes legendary acts such as Yothu Yindi, Gurrumul Yunupingu, and East Journey Band, Djunmili carries forward a powerful legacy while forging his own unique path. Djunmili was born and raised in Adelaide and has strong cultural family connections in North East Arnhem Land NT where he currently lives. Djunmili began producing music at just 13 years of age using FL Studio, marking the start of his journey into music creation. His sound is deeply influenced by all genre's of music blending his own contemporary production in hiphop and R&B.

Kiah is a proud Aboriginal woman from Yorta Yorta country. As a prolific songwriter, Kiah has been writing music since the age of 7, and began performing her original works in pubs around Melbourne at age 15. At 15, she began working with Joel Quartermain (Eskimo Joe), writing and recording music together. In 2025, she formed a band with her siblings Summer and Emmanuel called 'The Violet Summers', and they began recording music together with Quartermain and have since released two singles ('The Giver' and 'Too Heavy To Hold'), with more singles and an EP on the way in 2026.

MUSHROOM GROUP'S FIRST NATIONS PATHWAY PROGRAM IS SUPPORTED BY COLES AND DESIGNED TO HELP EMERGING INDIGENOUS MUSICIANS GAIN VALUABLE MUSIC EXPERIENCE AND MENTORSHIP.

THE PROGRAM PROVIDES FIRST NATIONS TALENT WITH AN IMMERSIVE EDUCATION EXPERIENCE OF THE MUSIC INDUSTRY, INCLUSION IN COLES RADIO AND CREATIVE CAREER OPPORTUNITIES.

COLES AND MUSHROOM GROUP HAVE COMMITTED TO ANOTHER 2 YEARS OF THIS INCREDIBLE INITIATIVE.

SINCE THE PATHWAYS PROGRAM COMMENCED, WE HAVE SEEN ARTISTS FORM BANDS AND GO ON TO WIN ARIA AWARDS, PERFORM AS PART OF THE AFL DREAMTIME ENTERTAINMENT AT THE MCG, RELEASE ALBUMS AND TOUR AND SO MUCH MORE!

WE ARE THRILLED TO CONTINUE TO PROVIDE EXCITING OPPORTUNITIES AND EXPERIENCES FOR OUR PARTICIPANTS OVER THE NEXT 12 MONTHS.

MUSHROOM GROUP IS DELIGHTED TO ANNOUNCE THE 8 FIRST NATIONS PATHWAY PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS FOR 2026.

ARTWORK BY CHRISTINE SLABB

BUNDJALUNG ARTIST + GRAPHIC DESIGNER