The search for the next generation of Aboriginal music stars is moving to a bigger stage, with the Buddy Knox Talent Quest heading to Tamworth Town Hall for the 2027 Tamworth Country Music Festival.
The second annual quest will also open its doors to younger performers, with a new category for those aged 10 and under.
“There’s so much talent around today and they are so good, it’s just all about getting them the opportunity to show it off,” said Tamworth musician Buddy Knox.
“We’re trying to find the next Jessie Mauboy or Troy Cassar Daly.”
The quest launched in January 2026. The move to Tamworth Town Hall puts it in a high-profile venue inside the main festival area, with professional sound and lighting.
Contestants will again perform with a live backing band in front of a panel of judges.
The new 10 and under category joins sections for 11 to 14 years, 15 to 18 years, and an open section, giving performers a chance to compete at different stages of their music journey.
The event is supported by ArtsNW, Aboriginal Regional Arts Alliance NSW, and the Aboriginal Employment Strategy.
Knox has mentored young performers for nearly two decades. He has helped them rehearse, get ready to perform, and take up chances through schools, NAIDOC events, CAPERS, Schools Spectacular, and community and festival events.
He sees the quest as a way to build on that work by giving emerging artists a clearer path forward.
“If we can get them the opportunity to get out and show their talent, they are the next generation for my people coming through, to carry on what started with people like Uncle Jimmy Little and Auriel Andrew, to carry on that legacy,” Knox said.
“I try to help them out, to find their identity in music, and to be themselves.”
The first quest is already paying off for at least one young singer.
Nahri Slater-Saunders won the 15 to 18 years category at the 2026 quest and also took home the Buddy Knox Encouragement Award. She was one of three young performers offered mentoring through the event.
In the 10 months since her win, Ms Slater-Saunders has kept building her experience, performing solo at NAIDOC events and in her community.
She also organised her own debut solo gig at a pub in Armidale, where she drew a strong crowd and was very well received.
She has since set up an Instagram account to promote her music and build her profile as an emerging artist.
The quest was set up to be more than a competition. It aims to help Aboriginal musicians build their skills, gain stage experience, and connect with people who can support them as artists.
For Knox, the goal is to find talent that might otherwise go unseen and help young artists take their next steps.
The 2027 Buddy Knox Talent Quest will be held at 10am on Saturday, 16 January 2027, at Tamworth Town Hall as part of the Tamworth Country Music Festival.
Entries are open at https://forms.gle/kPTfd12fFfJWo3fY6
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