The Peruvian artist Renata Flores, hailing from the Ayacucho region, has emerged as a pivotal figure in the movement dedicated to revitalizing the Quechua language. The 24-year-old achieves this cultural resurgence by leveraging contemporary musical genres. Widely recognized as the “Queen of Quechua Rap,” Flores masterfully blends traditional Andean rhythms and motifs with modern hip-hop and trap sounds. This distinctive synthesis resonates powerfully with a broad audience, effectively constructing a vital cultural bridge that spans generations.
Flores’ professional journey began remarkably early in 2015, when she was merely 13 years old. She first captured significant public attention by performing a cover of Michael Jackson’s classic, “The Way You Make Me Feel,” entirely in Quechua. This initial success paved the way for the creation of her own original material, culminating in the release of her debut album, “Isqun,” in 2021. The album's title, which translates to “nine” in Quechua, serves as a profound homage to influential Peruvian women, including historical figures like María Parado de Bellido and Chanan Cori Coca.
Notably, during the initial stages of her career, Renata did not possess full fluency in Quechua; instead, she learned the lyrics phonetically. She relied heavily on the invaluable assistance of her grandmother, Ada, who is a native speaker of the language, to ensure accuracy and authenticity in her early recordings.
Demonstrating her global reach, Flores performed at the “Orígenes” Festival in Bogotá, Colombia, in August 2025. Her set, held on the stage of the prestigious Jorge Eliécer Gaitán Theater, featured an energetic mix of trap, R&B, and traditional Andean music. The concert program was specifically designed to address themes of self-determination, territorial belonging, and cultural resistance, underscoring her deep commitment to preserving indigenous heritage. The “Orígenes” Festival itself, running from August 27 to 31, 2025, was organized by the District Institute of Arts (Idartes) with the explicit goal of recognizing and reviving live indigenous music.
Renata Flores' influence extends far beyond the boundaries of the music industry. Her impact has garnered significant recognition from major publications. In 2021, she was named one of the 100 most influential Latin American women by Hola! magazine. Furthermore, Forbes Peru included her among the country's 50 most influential and powerful women. Her innovative approach acts as a powerful catalyst for emerging creators, encouraging them to assert their cultural identity through contemporary artistic expression. Flores’ core mission is to illustrate how cultural heritage and modernity can be mutually reinforcing, transforming the ancestral language into a relevant tool for self-expression and the ongoing struggle for recognition.