STÉNKON's "Fortress": An Anthem of Resilience from Ukrainian Hip-Hop

STÉNKON is a Ukrainian hip-hop artist from Kremenchuk who has transformed his own trials into a source of strength. In September 2025, he released his 25th single, "Fortress"—an anthem of resilience and unity. This article covers his journey from an athlete and activist to a musician creating urban poetry with a spirit of protest, and explains how his tracks are reaching a global audience on platforms from Europe and the USA to Asia and Africa.

MUSICUKRAINIAN VECTOR: CULTURE, BUSINESS, SPORT

Frishnik

9/15/20253 min read

STÉNKON isn't just the creative alias of Kostyantyn Kuusk, a native of Kremenchuk. It's a symbol of perseverance, spiritual strength, and an unbreakable will. His story is an example of how tragedy can become a catalyst for creativity and struggle.

At the age of five, Kostyantyn suffered a spinal cord injury in a car crash but refused to let circumstances define his life. He became a Master of Sport of Ukraine in swimming, a para-athlete marathon runner, and a vocal public activist fighting for the rights of people with disabilities. Today, through his music, STÉNKON conveys his message of resilience, creating hip-hop that resonates with the hearts of Ukrainians and listeners worldwide.

From Tragedy to Triumph: The Artist's Story

Kostyantyn Kuusk was born on September 16, 1985, in Kremenchuk, Poltava Oblast. His childhood was overshadowed by the death of his military father and a severe injury that left him in a wheelchair. However, Kostyantyn turned these challenges into a source of power.

He earned the title of Master of Sport of Ukraine in swimming, competed in marathons, and became an active participant in social initiatives, advocating for accessibility and the rights of people with disabilities.

After Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Kostyantyn moved to Poland as a refugee. It was there that his musical project STÉNKON was born—a name combining the Danish Sténkon ("stone cone," a symbol of endurance) and the Estonian Kuusk ("spruce," a symbol of resilience). The alias reflects his philosophy: to be as strong as a stone and as flexible as a tree that withstands a storm.

Musical Career: A Path Through the Fire

2025 became his breakout year: STÉNKON released his debut album, "Path Through the Fire", and a series of singles that captured listeners' attention. His discography is diverse but unified by a spirit of struggle and hope.

Key releases include:

  • "Ukraine Free Country!" (June 4, 2025) – A patriotic anthem of Ukrainian resilience that the artist worked on for over three months.

  • "FK YOU, PUTIN!" – A sharp protest track reflecting anger and resistance.

  • "Ole-olee! Poznań – Lech!" – An energetic anthem for the Polish football club Lech Poznań.

  • "Ja nie będę milczeć" ("I Will Not Be Silent") – A call to fight, performed in Polish.

  • "Names Louder Than Weapons" – A tribute to the heroes of Ukraine.

  • Philosophical Tracks: "Life Is a Marathon," "Soul Freestyle," "Family Values," "Veritas in Tenebris."

His second album, "The Sun Burns, The Sea Beckons!", added summer reggaeton vibes to STÉNKON's work, proving that joy can be found even in dark times. The artist writes and produces all his songs himself.

Style: Urban Poetry with a Spirit of Protest

STÉNKON's music is a fusion of hip-hop, rap, and electronic elements. His lyrics are often called urban poetry—rhymed verse with a powerful social message.

His use of Ukrainian, Polish, and English makes his work accessible to an international audience. Themes range from patriotism ("Ukraine Free Country!"), protest ("FK YOU, PUTIN!"), and social issues ("Ja nie będę milczeć") to personal topics like inner strength, family, and the joy of simple moments.

"Fortress": A New Anthem of Resilience

In September 2025, STÉNKON released his 25th single, "Fortress." Inspired by events in his hometown of Kremenchuk, the track became a symbol of unity and perseverance.

The title references the city's historical fortifications and embodies the unbreakable spirit of the Ukrainian people. Lines like "For the orcs – catch my boomerang!" sound like a challenge to the enemy and a motivation to never give up.

"Fortress" reinforces STÉNKON's core message: to remain strong despite all trials.

Where to Listen to STÉNKON

The artist's music is available on key global platforms:

  • Europe & USA: Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer, Amazon Music, Tidal, Pandora.

  • East Asia: KKBox, Netease, Tencent, Melon (pending).

  • Africa: BoomPlay.

  • Middle East: Anghami.

  • Latin America: ClaroMusica.

  • Global: YouTube Music, SoundCloud, TikTok, Facebook, Qobuz.

STÉNKON is reaching an audience on every continent—from Ukraine and Poland to the USA, Latin America, and Asia.

STÉNKON's fanbase is still growing but is expanding rapidly thanks to his social media presence and honest dialogue with listeners. His music attracts Ukrainians, Poles, and an international audience that appreciates music with substance.

His English-language tracks are helping him break onto the global stage, while his patriotic and protest themes resonate with people looking for strength and inspiration in music.

STÉNKON is the voice of Ukrainian hip-hop, a voice that resounds with the strength of a fortress. His 25th single, "Fortress," is not just a song; it's a symbol of struggle, unity, and faith in victory.

From Kremenchuk to the world stage, Kostyantyn Kuusk proves that true strength lies in an unbreakable spirit.

STÉNKON's "Fortress": An Anthem of Resilience from Ukrainian Hip-Hop