Jessica Mauboy wows the crowd at free open-air concert in Karratha

The Karratha Red Earth Arts Precinct was alive with music, energy, and joy on Friday as Australian pop star Jessica Mauboy took to the stage in an unforgettable free outdoor concert. Presented by the Indigenous Emerging Business Forum events, the ARIA award-winning artist had the crowd on their feet, dancing and singing along to her chart-topping hits in the open-air amphitheatre. The electric atmosphere was set with the opening acts by local musicians JoKeria and Cassie Ariuu from Roebourne. When IEBF chief executive John O’Driscoll introduced the star of the evening to the stage, the crowd erupted chanting her name as she made her entrance. Overwhelmed by the response, Mauboy looked out into the sea of excited faces in the audience. “I can honestly say that Karratha is becoming one of my favourite places to perform,” she said. “I have absolutely loved playing to you mob tonight. I know that people have travelled a long way to be at this concert tonight, and that means so much to me.” She continued: “From the stage, I can feel the energy coming from you guys, and I see you singing along. It makes me so happy to be here.” During her performance, Mauboy singled out a fan named Dave from the crowd, who knew the lyrics to every one of her songs and sang along enthusiastically. “You guys are all my friends here tonight, but that guy, he’s becoming one of my best friends. He knows the words to every single song,” she said. The audience was treated to a medley of hit songs, including Mauboy’s ARIA award-nominated Burn and her platinum-selling hit Can I Get a Moment. She also charmed the crowd with a rendition of Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bun) from the film The Sapphires. In a thrilling surprise, Mauboy introduced a new song titled Give You Love from her upcoming album Yours Forever, featuring US pop and R&B singer songwriter and fellow The Voice Australia judge, Jason Derulo. The night was a musical celebration that left the audience buzzing with excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to experience one of Australia’s most loved entertainers on stage under the starry Karratha sky.