14-year-old Peruvian Renata Flores Rivera is revitalizing the Inca language of Quechua, one of the oldest of 47 remaining Indigenous dialects in Peru, by remixing modern pop songs with Quechua lyrics. Although Quechua is the second most spoken language in the country, younger generations have overwhelming deserted the language calling it uncool and associating it with poverty. However, Rivera’s remixes have become an international Youtube sensation inspiring the young and old in Peru to proudly reflect on and embrace their Indigenous roots. Rivera has drastically transformed locals’ relation to the language creating a new wave of Indigenous awareness and dignity. Photo credit: PRI
