Award-winning Australian artist Jamaica Moana is visiting India this week for a three-city Pride Month tour covering New Delhi, Bengaluru, and Chennai, blending music, storytelling and cultural dialogue to strengthen people-to-people ties between Australia and India. The visit, supported by the Australian High Commission, centres on themes of identity, inclusion and self-expression.

Who is Jamaica Moana

Jamaica Moana is a Sydney-based non-binary performer, songwriter and ballroom community leader of Maori and Samoan heritage. Recognised as one of Australia's most promising emerging artists, the performer blends rap, R&B, soul and alternative pop into a sound that has earned recognition on stages including the Sydney Opera House, SXSW Austin, Dark Mofo, Bangkok Music City and The Great Escape.

In 2025, Jamaica received FBi Radio's SMAC Award for Best Live Act and the inaugural Walk to Austin Award at SXSW Sydney, underscoring a growing international profile. Beyond performance, the artist co-founded The West Ball, an initiative creating leadership and celebratory spaces for queer, transgender, First Nations and culturally diverse communities in Australia.

Key Events Across the Three Cities

In Delhi, Jamaica will perform at Depot48, a venue known for its independent music scene and inclusive programming. A headline conversation featuring internationally acclaimed singer and performer Sushant Divgikar — widely known by the stage persona Rani KoHEnur — will be facilitated by Australia's High Commissioner to India, Philip Green, focusing on identity, representation, creativity and the role of art in social inclusion.

In Bengaluru, Jamaica will join a special discussion with Mira Brunner from the National Law School of India University, exploring queer narratives, cultural expression and the evolving landscape of LGBTQIA+ storytelling. Events in Chennai are also part of the itinerary, with community-focused programming designed to encourage artistic collaboration and dialogue.

What the High Commissioner Said

Welcoming the tour, High Commissioner Philip Green said, 'Pride Month is an opportunity to celebrate diversity in all its forms and reaffirm our commitment to equality and inclusion.' He added, 'Our contemporary artists reflect the richness of modern Australia, including the strength and visibility of our LGBTQIA+ communities. Jamaica's work speaks to universal themes of identity, respect and belonging, and strengthens the deep human connections between Australia and India.'

India Connections and Upcoming Collaboration

Jamaica's artistic ties with India predate this tour. Over the past year, the artist has built creative relationships with Indian performers, including singer Rashmeet Kaur. Jamaica also shared the stage with Mumbai-based music producer Hashbass at the Bangkok Music City Festival. A collaborative project between the two is reportedly set for release in late 2026.

Reflecting on the visit, Jamaica said, 'Music and performance give me a way to understand myself and connect with others; I carry my ancestors, my community and my experiences with me wherever I go.' The artist added, 'I'm excited to visit India, share stories, build new connections and learn from the incredible people I meet along the way.'

Broader Australian High Commission Initiatives

The tour forms part of the Australian High Commission's wider Pride Month programme, which this year included a special screening of the Australian queer cult classic The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert in partnership with PVR INOX. The High Commission also collaborated with Depot48 on a community mela showcasing LGBTQIA+ artisans and commissioned a mural by Aretha Brown in collaboration with the Aravani Art Project. These initiatives reflect the mission's year-round commitment to promoting gender equality, diversity and LGBTQIA+ rights through cultural engagement.