Sri Lanka’s hip-hop scene is gearing up for a major showcase as BODARE VOL. 1 takes place on 19 December 2026, from 1.00 PM onwards at the Grand Oriental Hotel, Colombo. Bringing together established artists and emerging talent, the concert aims to celebrate the diversity of local hip-hop while creating opportunities for the next generation of performers.
The event will feature some of the scene’s recognised names, including Rameses Reezy, Tikx Kooda, AJ Leon, KK and more, promising an afternoon of hard-hitting performances and a celebration of Sri Lankan hip-hop culture.
What sets BODARE VOL. 1 apart is its commitment to giving emerging artists a platform of their own. Before the main lineup takes over, ten up-and-coming acts will make their debut performances on the BODARE stage, giving them an opportunity to connect with audiences and take their first steps towards establishing themselves in the industry.
The emerging lineup features Chasindu, Arix, Deerose, Dope Sniff, Zyler, Mouly, Lvst Kingdom, Lil Tijer, Donzi and Wickszen. Representing a range of styles, including rap, trap and gangsta rap, these performers bring fresh voices and new energy to a local scene that continues to evolve.
Beyond the performances, BODARE is envisioned as more than a one-off concert. The initiative aims to nurture young talent, bridge the gap between established artists and emerging performers and build a stronger future for Sri Lankan hip-hop. By bringing different generations of artists together on one stage, the event seeks to create opportunities for new talent to gain exposure, grow their audiences and progress towards bigger stages. The first edition also lays the groundwork for future volumes, with the ambition of establishing BODARE as a continuing platform for the country’s hip-hop community.
Organised by Fearless (Pvt) Ltd, BODARE VOL. 1 places local talent at the heart of its vision, with a particular focus on creating space for emerging artists to be seen and heard.
Speaking about the vision behind the event, Fearless (Pvt) Ltd CEO Pubudu Suriyapperuma said, “BODARE is about more than putting on a concert. We want to create a platform where established artists can connect with new talent and where emerging performers get the opportunity to experience a proper stage, reach new audiences and take their music forward. This is about building a movement for Sri Lankan hip-hop, one that continues to grow with every edition.”
For performer KK, also known as Kasun Karunatilake, the event carries a personal significance rooted in identity and representing the city that shaped him.
“When Pubudu reached out to me with this concept, I was sold within the first two minutes of the conversation and I had to be a part of it. To me, BODARE has everything to do with representing my city, the lifestyle and all that comes with it! There’s a big gap in the hip-hop and rap concert industry when it comes to events paying homage to the cities that built artists. BODARE VOL. 1 on the 19th of December will celebrate Colombo and I can’t wait to shut this city down,” said KK.
With an established lineup, ten debuting acts and a vision that extends beyond a single event, BODARE VOL. 1 aims to be more than another date on the concert calendar. By celebrating Colombo’s hip-hop culture while creating opportunities for the next generation of artists, the event hopes to contribute to a growing movement within Sri Lanka’s music scene.
Tickets: https://mytickets.lk/events/6ac346cf1dd1050809b9ded1
