Chilean folk legend Nano Stern and Suga Cane Mamas, a group with First Nation and South Sea Islander bloodlines, complete the line-up for the National Folk Festival at Exhibition Park this Easter.

The festival has announced its final artists for the event from 17 to 21 April.

Multi-instrumentalist Stern is a leader in the New Chilean Song movement, blending folk, rock, jazz and Andean influences with a commitment to social justice and poetic storytelling.

His music is inspired by legends Violeta Parra, Victor Jara, Quilapayun, Illapu and Inti-Illimani, yet combined with a host of influences absorbed from his travels around the world, as well as his early classical training.

Suga Cane Mamas is a Blak women’s trio – Berniece Peeauakeau (nee Minniecon), Georgia Corowa, and Eilla Appo – who weave original songs, poetry and Indigenous languages into intimate and powerful performances.

Their songs explore themes of empowerment, motherhood, and the Blackbirding era of the abduction of Pacific Islanders to work on Queensland sugar cane farms, offering a deeply moving perspective on First Nations and Pacific Islander experiences.

One of the festival’s three artistic directors, Chris Stone, said he caught up with Nano Stern recently at the Folk Alliance International conference in Montreal.

“I convinced a whole group of artists, agents and festival directors who had never seen him play to come to his one showcase, and by the end of his show, we were all arm in arm, crying and laughing,” he said.

“We’re so excited and proud to be bringing him back to the National Folk Festival.”

Sugar Cane Mamas: original songs, poetry and Indigenous languages.

Stern’s inclusion is part of this year’s strong Latin American focus, with a Latin Fiesta party bringing together nearly 100 musicians from across Australia, led by Chilean Australian musician Vanessa Estrada, backed by a six-piece band with traditional instruments, dance and costumes.

Vanessa Estrada said Stern’s emotive guitar playing and powerful vocals had earned him international acclaim.

“Together, we’ll create an unforgettable experience of Latin folk music, and I can’t wait to be part of it,” she said.

Also part of the Latin line-up is the Queen of Hearts Mariachi Band, which will run daily workshops, inviting audiences to join the Festival Mariachi Band – one of many ways festivalgoers can connects with artists.

Co-artistic director Michael Sollis said the National Folk Festival thrived on bringing audiences and artists together.

“These opportunities are truly unique across Australia, and makes the festival Canberra’s premier cultural event.”

The festival promises a diverse array of performers, including Australian favourite Josh Pyke, Ruth Moody (Canada), harmonica virtuoso Will Pound and guitarist Jenn Butterworth (UK), and West African artists Super Mande Percussion.

Festivalgoers can also immerse themselves in special dance events such as the Bridgerton Ball, and experience the Great Poetry Debate, hosted by Canberran Fred Smith.

With only a little more than a month to go, the festival will celebrate its official launch next week.

Ticket sales are tracking well and organisers expect a late rush from the region’s music fans.

To learn more about the full artist line-up and program visit the NFF website.