Perth audiences can hear Queency front an 18-piece jazz orchestra in a PrideFest celebration that gives familiar queer anthems a bold new sound. The singer, who moved from Australia to Reunion Island after many years here, is returning for the concert at Northbridge’s Rechabite Hall. It’s a meeting of big-band sparkle, pop nostalgia and community pride.

The classics are getting a big-band glow-up

Songs associated with Madonna, Diana Ross, ABBA, Kylie Minogue and Chappell Roan are set for new arrangements when Queency joins WAYJO’s Resonance Jazz Orchestra. The 18-piece ensemble’s Queer Anthems show is part of PrideFest 2026, with artistic director Gemma Farrell leading the performance. (Source: WAYJO event listing; Scenestr)

The repertoire reaches across generations, from disco favourites to contemporary pop, while making room for the performers and songs that listeners have embraced as symbols of queer identity. Queency has also requested “Love Is on the Way”, by queer artist Billy Porter, and will sing Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You”. (Source: The West Australian; X-Press Magazine)

Queency has never aimed to blend in

Queency, the stage name of Quentin Thony, describes himself as loud, colourful and unapologetic. Born on Reunion Island, he moved to Australia as a young adult, initially to study marketing management. Music took longer to become a career, but it had been a dream since childhood. (Source: The West Australian; Scenestr)

His route into the industry included fronting Perth-based Congolese music ensemble Soukouss Internationale from 2015, followed by developing his solo project. In 2024, he appeared on The Voice Australia, where he performed for coach Adam Lambert. Those experiences helped turn years of singing and songwriting into a more public musical life. (Source: The West Australian; Out in Perth)

A return to Perth with personal meaning

After a difficult period that included the end of a long-term relationship, Queency moved back to Reunion Island to spend time with family. He has spoken of feeling both at home and unexpectedly like a stranger there, after spending most of his adult life in Australia. (Source: The West Australian; Scenestr)

That connection makes his return to Perth for the concert feel more than a routine booking. For Queency, the show is a chance to celebrate a community that has found belonging and expression through music, while revisiting a city that remains part of his identity. (Source: The West Australian; X-Press Magazine)

Why queer anthems still resonate

Queer anthems aren’t defined by one sound or era. Some become community touchstones because their artists openly support LGBTQIA+ people; others are cherished for their vocal power, drama or sheer singalong appeal. The mix of Whitney Houston, Kylie Minogue and Chappell Roan reflects just how broad that emotional playlist can be. (Source: The West Australian; Frooty)

Queency has described clubs as historic safe spaces where people could gather and be themselves. Bringing that musical legacy into a mainstream jazz-orchestra setting adds another layer to the evening: familiar songs can entertain, but they can also carry stories of visibility, resilience and welcome. (Source: The West Australian; Scenestr)

What to know before you go

WAYJO Presents Queer Anthems featuring Queency takes place at The Rechabite Hall in Northbridge on 8 November, as part of PrideFest 2026. Tickets are listed through Moshtix, so check the event page for current availability and booking details before making plans. (Source: Moshtix; The West Australian)

Expect the pleasure of recognising a favourite tune, then hearing it reshaped by a full jazz orchestra. And if the set prompts a spontaneous singalong, that seems rather in keeping with the spirit of the night. (Source: Moshtix; X-Press Magazine)

A familiar anthem can sound new again when a whole orchestra brings it to life.

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