Ballina Coast High School student Ezra Oariki is juggling his Year 12 trial exams with rehearsals for one of his biggest gigs yet — the Folded Festival at Ballina Skatepark this Saturday.

Performing under the stage name OAA (pronounced Oh-ah, an abbreviation of his surname), Ezra is already carving out a reputation for heartfelt performances that blend folk and reggae with Polynesian rhythm.

His music draws deeply on his heritage: his grandmother is the Queen of the Cook Islands, while his other lineage is proudly Māori.  Even his name carries a legacy – Oariki means prince.

“Music’s always been part of me,” Ezra said. “Growing up, my dad would be there with the ukulele every afternoon, and I started playing along when I was about eight.

“By Year 9 I’d picked up a guitar, and since then I’ve just kept writing, singing and performing.”

Ezra’s set at Folded will include original songs alongside covers of artists who inspire him, such as Katchafire, Stan Walker, and LAB. He loves putting his own spin on other people’s work, finding ways to bring storytelling and groove to the fore.

Once his HSC is behind him, Ezra won’t be slowing down. He plans to head to the United States in 2026 to work at summer camps, teaching and sharing music with other young people.

“It’ll be amazing to connect with kids through music over there,” he said.

“That’s how I want to use it — to bring people together.”

And the big stage? He’s not ruling it out. “Australian Idol? The Voice? 100 percent I’d apply,” Ezra said. 

“That’s the dream – to make music a career.”

For now, Ezra is focused on Saturday’s performance, where he’ll bring a slower, soulful pace to the Folded stage. 

His blend of heritage, honesty, and ambition makes him stand out among a strong line-up of young talent.

Folded Festival: A Day of Music, Food and Community

Now in its third year, the Folded Festival has become one of Ballina’s most anticipated youth events — a free, all-ages celebration of music, food, skating and mental health awareness.

Created by The Healthy Minds Club, the festival’s goal is to shine a light on mental health while showcasing the creativity of young people across the Northern Rivers. 

The Healthy Minds Club exists to build stronger, healthier communities by promoting awareness and providing practical support across the region and beyond.

The 2025 line-up is stacked with talent. Alongside Ezra, the stage will host:

• Eliza and the Delusionals — indie rock icons closing the festival with a set of award-winning originals.
  
• The Maggots (Byron Bay High) — Folded 2024 winners returning with their all-girl alternative rock.
  
• Da Manager — a cross-school band mixing genres and fresh original tracks.
  
• The Rays (Lismore High) — indie rock rising stars already seen at Bluesfest and School Spectacular.
  
• TenPackScrewdriver (Kadina High) — progressive rock and metal power with serious presence.
  

It’s not just about the music. The Ballina Rotary Club will be firing up a free barbecue with sausages and soft drinks on offer. Food stalls will also showcase local favourites, while the skate bowl will remain open all day so festival-goers can show off their skills.

Running from 12 to 6pm on Saturday, September 20, the Folded Festival invites families, friends and music lovers to come together for a day of free entertainment and community spirit.