On March 15th, the University of Newcastle's Compass venue hosted the highly anticipated second edition of the Like A Boss Festival. This dynamic event spotlighted the impressive depth of Australia's local hip-hop scene, featuring everything from rising stars to established names making their mark in the industry. The festival offered an unmissable opportunity to celebrate the genre, with an atmosphere that was as electric as the talent on stage.

Held in the forecourt of the Uni’s Bar on the Hill, the outdoor setting set the perfect backdrop for an afternoon filled with music, sunshine, and good vibes. With multiple bars, food trucks, and a VIP area to enjoy, the event provided a complete festival experience for attendees. A great sense of community was felt throughout, with an audience that was incredibly friendly and engaged, further adding to the festival’s welcoming atmosphere.

Already growing from last year’s edition, the Like A Boss Festival is poised to become a staple in the region. It will fill a gap left by the absence of other major festivals in Newcastle. A platform for showcasing local talent, the festival will spotlight artists who may otherwise not get the exposure they deserve.

The festival was sponsored by the local clothing brand Geedup, with the artists making an effort to connect with fans through meet-and-greets, merch signings, and plenty of selfies. It wasn’t just the performances that stood out, but the level of engagement and accessibility that made the event feel even more personal.

Mason Dane, a Newcastle local, kicked off the event. He brought high energy to the stage with fresh tunes and unreleased material, including the standout track "Big World." His performance set the tone for the rest of the day, showcasing the exciting new talent emerging from the region.

Jordano followed up with his unique style, equipped with a backpack full of Geedup merch, which he handed out to the crowd before launching a giant branded ball into the air. His track ‘Run the Ball Up’ became an instant crowd favourite, perfectly blending the festive spirit with his hip-hop roots.

Havana Brown, undoubtedly the queen of the festival, took the stage with unmatched charisma and energy. She delivered a brilliant mix of classic bangers, including some of her own originals like ‘Big Banana’ and ‘Run the Night,’ keeping the crowd hyped and fully engaged. Her performance was the highlight for many, proving why she remains a dominant force in the Australian music scene.

Youngn Lipz continued the momentum, dropping his infectious tracks like ‘Say It’ and ‘Go!’ along with some unreleased material. A cover of Fetty Wap’s ‘Trap Queen’ was a crowd-pleaser, reminding everyone of his versatility and stage presence.

Chillinit brought a mix of old and new material, delivering his rendition of ‘Boys Light Up’, before launching into his own hits ‘Freedom’ and ‘230 Pounds’. His heartfelt song ‘Growth’, written for his son, struck an emotional chord with the audience, while his latest track ‘Money Reserve’ added a fresh flavour to his set.

Headliner, Hooligan Hefs dropped hit after hit, playing fan favourites like ‘Send It’, ‘Party At?’, ‘IYKYK’ and ‘Paper Route.’ He kept the energy high with continuing to deliver what the punters wanted with ‘And We’, ‘No Effect’ and ‘Tell Em I’m Doing Eetswa’. Hefs also brought rising talent Maze on stage for ‘Bridges Burn’ showing a commitment to fostering new talent in the industry.

Overall, the Like A Boss Festival was a massive success, combining fantastic performances, a great atmosphere, and a strong sense of community. The event not only provided a platform for local hip-hop talent to shine but also created a space for fans to celebrate the culture up close and personal. With clear growth from last year, it’s safe to say this festival is here to stay and will only continue to thrive in the years to come.

Thank you to the Organisers, GEEDUP and Bar On The Hill for having us along,

Like A Boss 2025