If you ever you needed proof of just how amazing Australia’s own musical exports have become, then you’d only need to have taken a look at the Gold Coast recently, where Wafia took over for an eclectic set of classics and favourites as part of the 2023 edition of Jim Beam Welcome Sessions.

First announcing their current roster of events earlier this year, Jim Beam Welcome Sessions entered 2023 in fine form, ensuring that recent years would serve as an example of all the massive events still to come. Expanding upon last years undertakings, which featured the likes of Flight Facilities, Client Liaison, and The Veronicas all performing before the homegrown crowds that have admired them since day one, this year has since featured names like Lime Cordiale, Drapht, Bag Raiders, and more.

But with Jim Beam Welcome Sessions slowly making their way towards their completion, some of the biggest events have been saved for last, with Wafia helping to turn the penultimate event into one of the biggest yet.

A name who needs no introduction, the Brisbane-based singer-songwriter has been making us groove since 2015, going from being a rising star in the local environment to a massive name in the world-beating Aussie music scene.

With four EPs under her belt so far, and numerous singles, Wafia has seen widespread success around the world thanks to her killer tunes and smooth hooks. While tracks love ‘Love Somebody’, ‘Bodies’, and ‘I’m Good’ helped her make a name for herself, recent years have been spent crafting even more tracks, with the likes of ‘Wide Open’, ‘In The Honey’, and even a feature on Abir’s ‘Searching’ all helping her profile rise exponentially.

As such, she was a perfect choice to take over The Lawn at Garden Kitchen & Bar in the Gold Coast on the afternoon of Saturday, April 8th. Performing on a gorgeous sunny Gold Coast day over the Easter long weekend, the homecoming affair felt custom-built for good times and good vibes.

Performing in the luscious scenery of the outdoor, refreshing serves from Jim Beam were on hand, with a solid turnout seeing Wafia attract a massive crowd of dedicated followers. Wasting no time at all, she managed to get everyone dancing and singing along as she dipped into her storied back catalogue, reminding everyone in attendance of why she’s a superstar of Aussie music with each and every track.

Taking things to the next level, Wafia had the crowd in the palm of her hand as she served up a solid performance of ‘Flowers And Superpowers’, leaving many to wonder how such a track could be topped. They didn’t have to wait long for the answer, with ‘I’m Good’ serving as the closer of her set, and resulting in every single one of her fans losing their minds at the performance.

To put it mildly, it was a stellar affair fronted by one of the country’s most celebrated and revered performers, and an experience that everyone in attendance would consider themselves lucky to have attended. Needless to say, the Jim Beam Welcome Sessions have cemented themselves as one of the premier events on Australia’s live music calendar this year.

If you missed out on recent editions of the 2023 Jim Beam Welcome Sessions, don’t fret too much, with the festivities set to continue on April 29th when The Jungle Giants take over The Osborne Rooftop in Melbourne at the end of the month to help close out the gig series. Full details are available below, but be sure to click here for your chance to win and see The Jungle Giants’ gig at Jim Beam Welcome Sessions in Melbourne.

For further information about Jim Beam Welcome Sessions, head along to their official website, or stay tuned to Rolling Stone for more updates. 

Jim Beam Welcome Sessions 2023

The Jungle Giants

Saturday, April 29th
The Osborne Rooftop, Melbourne, VIC

Enter here for your chance to win tickets.