1,500 drones, 45 dancers, and HWASA’s K-pop power: September 11 at Rock in Rio 2026 is shaping up to be unforgettable.
A night where technology, dance, and K-pop collide
Rock in Rio 2026 has just announced two new acts that will turn September 11 into an event of its own. Alongside headliner Stray Kids, the Palco Mundo (World Stage) will host Alok and HWASA in performances that go far beyond concerts — they are full audiovisual experiences.
Alok brings Keep Art Human to Rio
Alok arrives at the festival with the Keep Art Human project, designed exclusively for this edition. The show blends art, technology, and human connection through an immersive experience featuring 45 Brazilian dancers, a set design integrated with the new World Stage’s LED system, and 1,500 synchronized drones — a Latin American record.
The Brazilian DJ already stunned the world at the Copacabana New Year’s Eve celebration with aerial drone choreographies paying tribute to Rio de Janeiro. At Rock in Rio, he takes that spectacle even further. With over 23 million monthly listeners on Spotify and a 3rd place ranking in the DJ Mag Top 100 DJs in 2025, Alok is the most-streamed Brazilian DJ in the world on the platform.
Raised in a family deeply rooted in electronic music — son of Swarup and Ekanta, pioneers of psytrance in Brazil, and twin brother of Bhaskar — Alok has spent nearly two decades building a career defined by innovation and global reach. Fans can expect fan favorites like “Hear Me Now”, “Ocean”, “Never Let Me Go”, “Big Jet Plane”, and “Don’t Cry For Me”.
HWASA: the Solo Queen makes her Rock in Rio debut
HWASA makes her Rock in Rio debut as the second act on the World Stage on September 11. A member of the acclaimed group MAMAMOO, she has won over global audiences with her bold style, soulful voice, and commanding performances that blend K-pop, R&B, soul, hip-hop, and Latin pop.
Her debut solo single, “TWIT”, was an instant hit, earning her Song of the Year at the Asian Pop Music Awards. Follow-ups “Maria” and “I’m a B” cemented her reputation as a versatile artist. After joining P NATION, she released “I Love My Body”, widely praised for its message of self-love, and most recently “Good Goodbye”, an emotional ballad written by HWASA herself.
She has also collaborated with international artists, including Dua Lipa on “Physical (feat. Hwasa)” and Loco on “Somebody!” Beyond music, HWASA is a cultural force — challenging conventional beauty standards and inspiring fans worldwide to embrace their authentic selves.
September 11 will symbolize the meeting point between different expressions of the future of music.
Event Info
Rock in Rio 2026
Date: September 11, 2026 (Alok and HWASA on the World Stage)
Venue: Cidade do Rock, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Photo: Press Release
