Les Authentiks

Les Authentiks: When Rap Takes Over Ancient Heritage

Since 2005, the Les Authentiks festival has established itself as one of the major events on the Francophone rap and hip-hop scene in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Supported by the Viennese association La Locomysic, in co-production with Mediatone and High Lo, this annual event has built a loyal following of passionate fans around a demanding program, blending established headliners with artists from the new generation.

An Exceptional Setting: The Théâtre Antique de Vienne

The choice of venue is no accident. The Théâtre Antique de Vienne, built between 40 and 50 AD on the slopes of Pipet hill, is one of the largest Roman theaters in France. With its 7,000 seats arranged in stone tiers, this listed historical monument offers remarkable natural acoustics and a breathtaking visual setting. As the sun sets behind the surrounding hills and the first bass notes resonate between the ancient stones, the magic happens: the dialogue between ancient heritage and contemporary urban cultures creates a unique, incomparable atmosphere.

A Program True to the Spirit of Hip-Hop

Les Authentiks derives its name from a strong commitment: that of authenticity. The festival favors artists whose journey, message, and artistic approach embody the founding values of hip-hop—independence, commitment, creativity, and grounding in reality. Over the years, the Théâtre Antique stage has hosted major figures of French rap: IAM, Fonky Family, Keny Arkana, Hugo TSR, Djadja & Dinaz, Zkr, Favé, Vald, Scylla, Furax Barbarossa, and many others.

Each evening is designed as a musical journey, with several concerts following one another in an electric atmosphere. The opening acts showcase emerging talents from the local and national scene, offering a valuable platform for up-and-coming artists.

Twenty Years of History and Passion

Since its creation, Les Authentiks has weathered the changing times while remaining true to its identity. The festival celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2025 with an epic evening featuring Fonky Family, Hugo TSR, Yanka, and Toera in front of a sold-out Théâtre Antique. This longevity testifies to the event's deep roots in the local cultural fabric and the loyalty of an audience that grows with the festival.

A Unifying Event for the Region

Beyond music, Les Authentiks contributes to the cultural and tourist influence of Vienne and the Isère region. Each year, the festival attracts thousands of spectators from the entire Lyon region and beyond, generating significant economic benefits for the city and its businesses. It also plays a role in promoting Vienne's ancient heritage, offering a young, urban audience the chance to discover this exceptional site in a festive and friendly setting.