The University of Adelaide Announces Student-Led Music Festival AdeLOUD

The festival features a diverse lineup of international, national and local talent, including Genesis Owusu, Elsy Wameyo, Nooriyah, and JamesJamesJames.

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The University of Adelaide is celebrating its 150th anniversary with the party to end all parties. AdeLOUD, a student-led music festival, is set to turn the campus into a live music extravaganza.

Held at the UniBar and Cloisters on Saturday, November 16, AdeLOUD will host ten hours of music from a diverse range of international, national and local acts, including performances from Genesis Owusu, Elsy Wameyo, Nooriyah, and JamesJamesJames.

Strictly for those over 18, the event is curated by Adelaide’s own musical wonder Motez, who has handpicked 11 of the artists who will be performing across two stages.

The Iraqi-Australian award-winning music producer and alum of the University of Adelaide is one of the country’s most innovative electronic musicians and producers, having won nine SAM Awards, remixed the likes of Disclosure, Sam Smith and Flume, and performed at some of the world’s biggest festivals, including Splendour in the Grass, Womadelaide, Manchester's Warehouse Project and EDC Las Vegas.

Headlining AdeLOUD is four-time ARIA Award winner and genre-bending artist Genesis Owusu. He will be taking the stage alongside rising Nairobi-born, Adelaide-based singer, rapper and producer Elsy Wameyo, mysterious electronic performer JamesJamesJames, London-based DJ, producer and Bolier Room mainstay Nooriyah and British indie rock act YARD ACT, who are riding high after the release of their 2024 sophomore album, Where’s My Utopia?.

Also performing at the festival are local acts CaucasianOpportunities, In2stellar, Willaris. K, Potentially Hugo, Theodore Kittens, Tonix, Motez himself and Gryff, a student band who made the bill by winning the University of Adelaide’s ‘Opening Act’ student competition judged by Motez and a panel of UOA music students.

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Speaking about his involvement with the festival, Motez shares: “I am honoured to have the opportunity to feature so many artists that I love, people who I think are playing and making some of the most exciting music out there.

“I wanted a program that not only looks locally or national, but goes beyond our borders and brings artists from many corners of the world from the UK to the Middle East. I wanted the lineup to not only have music variety, but also reflect the cultural diversity the University has always championed.

“AdeLOUD serves as the finale to the University’s 150th celebrations. My role as curator for AdeLOUD is a chance to celebrate my alma mater, recognising its rich history and influence not only in South Australia but also across the nation and the globe. The University has produced a prime minister, a NASA astronaut, and numerous leaders in science and culture, making this celebration all the more meaningful.”

Along with Motez’s involvement, AdeLOUD is student-driven, with a dedicated team of third-year contemporary music students from the University’s Elder Conservatorium of Music firmly behind the festival’s creation. Ten architectural Master students have also been enlisted to help design the festival stages, giving them real-world design experience.

“We've poured our hearts and souls into planning this celebration, and we're excited to share our vision with the community. Not only are we contributing to a unique cultural experience, but we're also gaining invaluable experience of the intricacies of planning a music festival of this calibre,” says Kaitlyn Greatrex, student intern and part of AdeLOUD’s organising committee

The University of Adelaide Director of the Elder Conservatorium of Music, Professor Anna Goldsworthy, is also proud of the University’s efforts to celebrate its 150th birthday with its students.

“Student-run festivals like AdeLOUD are a wonderful way to nurture the next generation of music talent. The University’s decision to empower students to plan this event reflects our commitment to fostering student leadership and creativity. It’s also a testament to the incredible talent and passion of our students,” she says.

“AdeLOUD is more than just a festival – it’s a celebration of 150 years of community, creativity and the spirit of our University. Student life is at the heart of our institution, and this festival is the perfect balance of hard work and play.”

Tickets for AdeLOUD are just $25 for students and $50 for the general public. Proceeds from all ticket sales will go towards the University’s Student Emergency Fund which helps support UOA students experiencing financial hardship, allowing them to stay enrolled and complete their studies.

Tickets for AdeLOUD are on sale now for UOA students and from Friday, September 13 for the general public. With just a tad over 2,000 tickets up for grabs, you’ll want to get in quickly so you don’t miss out.

AdeLOUD takes place at UniBar and Cloisters on Saturday, November 16 from 4pm to 2am. For more information and to book your tickets head to the University of Adelaide website.

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