Review by Markus Hamence – Performance date: Thursday 12 June 2025, Adelaide Cabaret Festival, Adelaide Festival Centre, South Australia
Vika & Linda Bull’s return to the Adelaide Cabaret Festival in 2025 was nothing short of a heartfelt and soulful performance. Their show, An Evening with Vika & Linda, held at the Dunstan Playhouse from June 12 to 14, is a masterclass in musical storytelling, sisterly synergy, and vocal freakin’ brilliance. They last played Adelaide Cabaret Festival in 2018, they were diamonds, and, now, they have shone brightly again in 2025, read on…
“Their stories and comfortable banter added depth to the performance, allowing the audience to connect with them on a personal level…” – Markus Hamence
A Harmonious Return
The second they stepped onto the stage (complete with a little jive), dressed in sharp white suits, Vika and Linda captivated the audience with their effortless harmonies and magnetic presence. Accompanied by their long-time collaborator, Cameron Bruce, on piano, the duo delivered a performance that was both intimate and grand, weaving tales of love, life, and legacy through song.
A Highlight from the Variety Gala
Their rendition of Nina Simone’s ‘Feeling Good’ at the festival’s Variety Gala was a standout moment, showcasing their unparalleled vocal prowess and deep emotional connection to the music. As noted in reviews, their performance was ‘note perfect’, raising the energy and setting a high bar for the evening. We got this in the show too obviously and it was breathtaking to experience in the concept of the performance in entirety. It belonged and it was beautiful as part of their story-telling.
“…the duo delivered a performance that was both intimate and grand, weaving tales of love, life, and legacy through song…” – Markus Hamence
The Set-List
We got some old classics, some recent hits and even a new song from their upcoming, so far untitled, album. There were some foot tapping bangers through to some emotional ballads, each one hitting the mark, and us audience, with incredible warmth in delivery. Without giving it all away, Sinnerman (Made famous by the late and great Nina Simone) was a standout that had the guts that only a few folk can achieve. If I Could Start Today Again (Written by Paul Kelly) was simple, beautiful and moving, it was thoughtful and a reminder of being a good human. THEN their beautifully penned ‘apology’ letter to their grand father (Grandpa’s Song, see video below) grabbed us by the heart and the emotional connection was made.
A Celebration of Sisterhood and Song
Throughout the concert, Vika and Linda shared personal anecdotes, reflecting on their journey from singing in a Tongan church to sharing stages with legends like Paul Kelly, Mark Seymour, Renee Geyer and of course their beloved Joe Camilleri. The afore-mentioned ‘grand father’ story was heart-breaking and the song packed a punch (grab your tissues). Their stories and comfortable banter added depth to the performance, allowing the audience to connect with them on a personal level.
A Must-See Performance
An Evening with Vika & Linda was a brilliantly produced and performance that invited us audience into their lives; it was a celebration of music, family, and the enduring power of song. Their ability to blend genres and convey profound emotion through their music left a lasting impression on all who attended.
It was yet again another example of the outstanding talents of our powerful women in the Australian music industry. We had Renee and Chrissie, we have Kate and Tina… And ABSOLUTELY we have VIKA & LINDA.
For those who missed this unforgettable performance, Vika and Linda continue to tour nationally, bringing their unique blend of soul, gospel, and storytelling to audiences across Australia. Plus there are a couple of date remaining for the Cabaret Festival (See below link).
Bravo our Australian Music Queens.
An Evening with Vika & Linda
12–14 June ’25 | Dunstan Playhouse | Adelaide Festival Centre
Ticket Link
More Vika & Linda Bull:
Vika and Linda Bull are a powerhouse sister act whose harmonies have become a beloved fixture in Australian music. With roots in Tongan gospel and a flair for soul, blues, and country, their journey from church choirs to chart-topping albums is a testament to talent, resilience, and sisterhood.
From Doncaster to the World Stage
Born and raised in Doncaster, Melbourne, Vika and Linda grew up immersed in music. Their mother, Siniva, a Tongan immigrant, taught them to sing in harmony during church services, laying the foundation for their future careers. As children, they performed at family gatherings and community events, absorbing the rich traditions of Tongan music and dance.
The Black Sorrows: A Launchpad to Stardom
In 1988, the sisters joined Joe Camilleri’s band, The Black Sorrows, as backing vocalists. Their dynamic presence contributed to the band’s most successful period, with albums like Hold On to Me, Harley and Rose, and Better Times achieving multi-platinum status. Their time with the Sorrows not only honed their skills but also introduced them to a broader audience.
Stepping into the Spotlight
In 1994, Vika and Linda embarked on their own musical journey, releasing their self-titled debut album produced by Paul Kelly. The album showcased their versatility, blending rock, pop, and folk influences, and featured contributions from renowned songwriters like Mark Seymour and Joe Camilleri. It peaked at number 7 on the ARIA Charts and was certified platinum, marking a successful transition to a standalone act.
Exploring New Horizons
Their subsequent albums, including Princess Tabu (1996) and Two Wings (1999), delved deeper into their cultural heritage and musical influences. Princess Tabu, inspired by a fable about twin sisters, incorporated elements of folk, world, and country music, reflecting their Tongan roots . Throughout their career, they’ve collaborated with a host of Australian artists, lending their voices to projects by Paul Kelly, Kasey Chambers, and John Farnham.
A Resilient Return
After a period of relative quiet, Vika and Linda made a triumphant return with the release of Akilotoa: Anthology (1994–2006) in 2020, which debuted at number 1 on the ARIA Charts . That same year, they released Sunday (The Gospel According to Iso), a gospel album born out of their weekly live-streamed performances during Melbourne’s COVID-19 lockdowns.
Recognition and Legacy
In recognition of their contributions to the performing arts, Vika and Linda were awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in 2022 . Their memoir, No Bull, offers an intimate look at their lives, detailing their experiences in the music industry and the strength of their sisterly bond
With a career spanning over three decades, Vika and Linda Bull continue to captivate audiences with their soulful harmonies and heartfelt performances, solidifying their place as icons in Australian music.
