It’s not everyday that a young Australian vocalist gets an effusive shout-out from R&B icon Jill Scott, but then indigenous singer-songwriter Kaiit Waup is no ordinary talent. With her velvety voice, ferocious lyricism and singular sense of style, the Naarm-based artist is an undisputed luminary of the local neo-soul scene. After dazzling audiences with her set at last year’s Vivid Tumbalong Nights, Kaiit is back – and ready to unveil a bold new era and character, Lil Mama – for her debut performance at the Sydney Opera House for Vivid LIVE.

Growing up between Papua New Guinea and Australia, Kaiit was inspired by Lauryn Hill and Amy Winehouse, and it wasn’t long before her music caught the attention of another of her heroes. After breaking out on the national scene with “Natural Woman” (2017) and “2000 N Somethin” (2018), Kaiit’s third single, “OG Luv Kush p2”, drew praise from none other than Jill Scott, who described the young singer as her musical love child with Erykah Badu. That year, Kaiit won the Archie Roach Award for Emerging Talent at the Music Victoria Awards, and in 2019 her empowering anthem “Miss Shiney” collected the ARIA award for Best Soul/R&B Release. Kaiit has opened for R&B superstar SZA and funk legends Chaka Khan and Nile Rodgers.

As she enters the next chapter in her career, Kaiit will be introducing the character of Lil Mama for the first time in a very special – and very theatrical – stage show.