Lake Eola Park in Orlando will turn into the stage for a different kind of cultural experiment: Kenke Fest 2025, a free festival designed to celebrate diversity in music while spotlighting emerging talent in the U.S. And while fresh voices will be the centerpiece of the lineup, the buzz around the event has skyrocketed thanks to the confirmed attendance ofAlcolirykoz, one of Colombia’s most iconic hip-hop groups.
Their presence at Kenke Fest sends a powerful message. In a gathering meant to elevate new artists, having a heavyweight like Alcolirykoz in the crowd is a symbolic validation that independent music, when built on honesty and discipline, can cross borders and resonate across generations.
Formed back in 1999 in the Aranjuez neighborhood of Medellín, Alcolirykoz locked in their current lineup in 2005 with Gambeta, Kaztro, and Fazeta. Their storytelling—clever, everyday narratives delivered with raw authenticity—coupled with a unique audiovisual approach and six full-length projects, has transformed the way Colombia experiences hip-hop. Over time, they’ve become one of the most respected names in the country’s independent music scene, carving out a place in the wider Latin American soundscape.
Kenke Fest itself is more than just another music festival. With an open-door policy for artists across all genres, it’s a professional platform where emerging acts get a real shot at sharing their original work with an enthusiastic audience—and potentially, with key players in the industry. As a festival spokesperson puts it, “KENKE FEST celebrates artistic and cultural freedom. It’s a tribute to those who create without limits, with passion and authenticity. We’re building this space so that new musical talent can shine.”
That Alcolirykoz are showing up here underscores a bigger truth: established icons of independent music know the importance of backing those just stepping onto the stage. And for one day in Orlando, the city will become a meeting point for musical futures in the making.
Ismael Trivino
IZZY MEDIA PR
