Arivu

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Arivu
Cc arivu.jpg
Arivu performing with The Casteless Collective in Chennai
Background information
Birth nameArivarasu Kalainesan
BornIndia
Genres
Occupations
Years active2017–present

Arivarasu Kalainesan, more commonly known as Arivu, is an Indian rapper, singer, songwriter and composer. He is best known for his independent singles, including " Enjoy Enjaami ", and for his work on film numbers like "Vaathi Raid" from Master (2021), "Single Pasanga" from Natpe Thunai (2019), " Neeye Oli " from Sarpatta Parambarai (2021) and "Golden Sparrow" from Nilavuku En Mel Ennadi Kobam. Arivu’s music is characterized by its unapologetically bold lyricism, often delving into diverse themes such as socio-political commentary, love, co-existing with nature and Tamil culture. Through a combination of storytelling, folk melodies, and rap, he crafts a sonic experience that resonates with listeners from diverse backgrounds. Arivu's style is also distinguished by his use of Oppari, a traditional Tamil form of lament singing, blended with rap. His work is notable for bridging traditional Tamil music and Western genres, allowing a new generation to connect with cultural roots while enjoying modern beats.

Contents

Early Life

Arivu was born in Arakkonam, a town in Tamil Nadu, India, into a family rooted in education and social service. His early exposure to Tamil folk music, Ambedkarite songs, and Arivoli Iyakkam (literacy awareness campaign) songs played a vital role in shaping his musical and ideological outlook. Starting from his teenage years, Arivu developed a deep understanding of socio-political issues, which became one of the central themes in his music. At the age of 18, Arivu released his debut poetry collection titled "Kuninthi Varaverkum Kudisaigal" which dealt with a range of topics spanning from love to socio-political issues.

Career

Casteless Collective (2017-)

Arivu gained widespread recognition through his association with The Casteless Collective, a Chennai-based band that uses music to address caste oppression, inequality, and social reform. Formed by film director Pa. Ranjith in 2017, the collective consists of artists who challenge caste discrimination through a mix of Tamil folk traditions, rock, and rap.In 2017, Arivu auditioned and became a part of The Casteless Collective. Arivu rose to prominence as a songwriter and rapper through his work with the group, including "Jaibhim Anthem" and "Quota Song". [1] Arivu's contributions to The Casteless Collective include songwriting and rapping, where he combines Tamil folklore with modern hip-hop beats to communicate powerful messages. As the prime songwriter for the band, Arivu gained recognition for his powerful lyricism and his ability to draw on multiple storytelling traditions to create a "potent fusion". [2]

Writing for Cinema (2018-)

Arivu wrote his first lyrics for the film Kaala (2018). On the basis of his contributions to The Casteless Collective band, Arivu was offered the opportunity to write the climax song “Urimaiyai Meetpom” for the Rajinikanth starrer Kaala by Director Pa Ranjith. At the age of 24, Arivu is the youngest songwriter ever to write for a Rajinikanth movie. Following this with hit numbers like "Maathiya Seraiyile" and "Patta Patti" in Director Vetrimaran’s Vada Chennai (2018), “Single Pasanga” in Natpe Thunai (2019) and “Vathi Raid” in Master (2021) has solidified Arivu as one of the notable songwriters in the Tamil music industry.

Therukural: Debut Album (2019)

In 2019, Arivu's debut album Therukural (Tamil: Voice of the Street) was released. Songs such as "Anti-Indian" and "Kalla Mouni" were written to highlight political issues in India and "speak truth to power". [3] Therukural received positive reviews and was featured in Rolling Stone India as one of the top ten Indian albums in 2019. [4] [5] "Anti-Indian" was described as a "politically conscious hip-hop song" by Rolling Stone India. [6] His music has won him praise "from commoners and musicians alike" [7] and he has been described as top of the list of people who can to "use the power of music to move the public". [8]

In August 2021, Rolling Stone India called Arivu "the voice of socio-political hip-hop, smashing records and defying social norms", and featured him in its digital cover. [9]

Breakthrough with Enjoy Enjaami (2021)

In 2021, Arivu achieved a career milestone with the release of Enjoy Enjaami, a Tamil single produced by the music label Maajja. Enjoy Enjaami broke the glass ceiling for Tamil independent music by garnering more than 500 million views in YouTube (as of November 2024). Collaborating with singer Dhee, Arivu wrote and performed verses that tell the story of Tamil landless laborers, colonial exploitation, and the community’s connection with nature. The song's unique blend of traditional and contemporary elements, combined with Arivu’s poignant verses, made it a viral hit on streaming platforms, with half a billion views globally. The success of Enjoy Enjaami brought Tamil independent music to the forefront and earned Arivu recognition as a dynamic new artist on the international stage. His contribution of fusing the traditional genre of Oppari with modern rap in his writing and delivery is seen as one of his authentic trademarks.

In Enjoy Enjaami, Arivu explores the complex history of his grandmother Valliyamma, an immigrant tea-plantation labourer from Sri Lanka. According to the lyricist, Arivu, the song was written as a celebration of his roots, harkening back to a time when humanity was a fledgling civilization, living in harmony with the turns of the earth and the many lives that shared it with them. Later, for the occasion of World Music Day, Enjoy Enjaami was remixed by DJ Snake for Spotify Singles.

Arivu as Curator of Coke Studio Tamil Season 1 Coke Studio curator.jpg
Arivu as Curator of Coke Studio Tamil Season 1

Arivu & The Ambassa Band (2022-)

Arivu also leads the 10-piece band Ambassa, founded in 2022. The band draws on modern Western musical elements such as rapping and beatboxing, as well as traditional Indian music traditions such as oppari and gaana. [9] Ambassa is a colloquial term in Tamil for 50 paisa. [8]

Coke Studio Tamil Season 1: Curator

In 2023, Arivu is offered the opportunity to be the curator for the Coke Studio Tamil Season 1 along with Sean Roland. He wrote and performed the single Sagavasi along with Khatija Rahman, which became the most listened-to song of the season with 23 million views on YouTube. Arivu's Ambassa band’s debut song, Tamizh Vazhthu, was premiered on Coke Studio Tamil Season 2. [10]

Discography

Albums

Singles

YearTitleComposerSongwriterPeak chart

positions

Ref.
UKAsian [12]
2020"Monkeys with 5G"ArivuArivu [13]
2021"Don't Touch Me" Yuvan Shankar Raja [14]
2021"Enjoy Enjaami" Santhosh Narayanan, Arivu5 [15]
2024"TVK Ideology Song" Thaman S Vivek [16]

Films

YearFilmCredited asSong(s)Composer
SingerLyricist
2018 Kaala Red x.svgGreen check.svg"Urimayai Meetpom" Santhosh Narayanan
Vada Chennai Green check.svgGreen check.svg"Maathiya Seraiyile"
"Patta Patti"
2019 Vantha Rajavathaan Varuven Red x.svgGreen check.svg"Red Cardu"
"Modern Muniyamma"
Hiphop Tamizha
Natpe Thunai Green check.svgGreen check.svg"Single Pasanga"
"Veedhikor Jaadhi"
Irandam Ulagaporin Kadaisi Gundu Green check.svgRed x.svg"Nilamellam"Tenma
Red x.svgGreen check.svg"Thalaimurai"
2020 Pattas Green check.svgGreen check.svg"Mavane" Vivek-Mervin
Dagaalty Green check.svgGreen check.svg"Dagaalty Naa!"Vijay Narain
Naadodigal 2 Green check.svgGreen check.svg"Varungaalam Engaladhu" Justin Prabhakaran
Naan Sirithal Red x.svgGreen check.svg"Happy Birthday" Hiphop Tamizha
College Kumar Red x.svgGreen check.svg"College Kumar"
"Baari Baari"
Qutub-E-Kripa
Gypsy Green check.svgGreen check.svg"Theevira Vyaadhi" Santhosh Narayanan
Soorarai Pottru Red x.svgGreen check.svg"Maara Theme" G. V. Prakash Kumar
Tughlaq Durbar Green check.svgRed x.svg"Annathe Sethi" Govind Vasantha
Master Green check.svgGreen check.svg"Vathi Raid" Anirudh Ravichander
2021 Mandela Green check.svgGreen check.svg"Yela Yelo"Bharath Sankar
Jagame Thandhiram Green check.svgGreen check.svg"Theengu Thaakka"
"Naan Dhaan Da Mass"
Santhosh Narayanan
Sarpatta Parambarai Green check.svgGreen check.svg"Neeye Oli"
"Neeye Oli" (Film Version)
Aranmanai 3 Green check.svgGreen check.svg"Ratatapata" C. Sathya
Jai Bhim Green check.svgGreen check.svg"Power" Sean Roldan
Jail Red x.svgGreen check.svg"Pathu Kaasu" G. V. Prakash Kumar
Green check.svgGreen check.svg"Nagarodi"
Enemy Red x.svgGreen check.svg"Pathala" S. Thaman
Green check.svgGreen check.svg"Little India"
Red x.svgGreen check.svg"Orey Naan Orey Nee" Sam C. S.
Annaatthe Green check.svgGreen check.svg"A for Annaatthe" D. Imman
Maanaadu Green check.svgGreen check.svg"Voice of Unity" Yuvan Shankar Raja
Enna Solla Pogirai Red x.svgGreen check.svg"Cute Ponnu" Vivek-Mervin
2022 Valimai Green check.svgGreen check.svg"The Intense of Fire - Theme" Yuvan Shankar Raja
Maaran Green check.svgRed x.svg"Polladha Ulagam" G. V. Prakash Kumar
Yaanai Green check.svgGreen check.svg"Bodhaiya Vittu Vaale"
Selfie Green check.svgGreen check.svg"Oorkaran"
Red x.svgGreen check.svg"Imaikkariye"
Green check.svgGreen check.svg"Badass Bossman"
Green check.svgGreen check.svg"Padippu Thevaillai"
Green check.svgGreen check.svg"Yedakoodam"
Prince Green check.svgGreen check.svg"Who Am I?" Thaman S
Red x.svgGreen check.svg"Jessica"
Captain Green check.svgGreen check.svg"Akkrinai Naan" D. Imman
Sardar Green check.svgGreen check.svg"Inky Pinky Ponky" G. V. Prakash Kumar
2023 Vaathi Green check.svgGreen check.svg"One Life" GV Prakash Kumar
Maamannan Green check.svgGreen check.svg"Manna Maamanna" A. R. Rahman
Jawan - Tamil dubbedGreen check.svgGreen check.svg"Pattasa" Anirudh Ravichander
Jawan - Telugu dubbedGreen check.svgGreen check.svg"Galatta" Anirudh Ravichander
2024 Singappenney Green check.svgRed x.svg"Ezhundhu Vaa"Kumaran Sivamani
Green check.svgGreen check.svg"Kanne Yen Kaniyee"
Vadakupatti Ramasamy Red x.svgGreen check.svg"Paravuthu"Sean Roldan
SaloonGreen check.svgGreen check.svg"Mayir Song"Sam C. S.
Singapore Saloon Green check.svgGreen check.svg"Vandha Mala"
Vivek-Mervin
DeArGreen check.svgGreen check.svg"Sleeping Beauty"G. V. Prakash Kumar
Indian 2 Red x.svgGreen check.svg"Come Back Indian"
Anirudh Ravichander
Raayan Green check.svgGreen check.svg"Raayan Rumble"
A. R. Rahman
Thangalaan Green check.svgGreen check.svg"War Song" G. V. Prakash Kumar
Green check.svgRed x.svg"Thandora Pottanungo"
Red x.svgGreen check.svg"Oppari Song"
Vettaiyan Red x.svgGreen check.svg"Hunter Vantaar"
Anirudh Ravichander
Nilavuku En Mel Ennadi Kobam Green check.svgGreen check.svg"Golden Sparrow"
G. V. Prakash Kumar
Amaran Green check.svgGreen check.svg"Amara"

"Por Veeran" (Azadi)

G. V. Prakash Kumar

Television

YearTV seriesCredited asSong(s)Notes
SingerLyricist
2021 The Family Man Green check.svgRed x.svg"Maaveerarukku Maranamila"Season 2;
composed by Sachin–Jigar
2024 Bigg Boss Season 8 Green check.svgGreen check.svg"BB Anthem"

Awards

YearAwardCategoryWorkRef.
2022 Filmfare Awards South Best Lyricist – Tamil"Neeye Oli" [17]
Edison Awards 2022Best Tamil Rapper of the Year [18]
News18 Magudam Awards 2022Arts and Culture [19]
2023 Vikatan Nambikkai AwardsTop Ten Youth [20]

Related Research Articles

An oppari is an ancient form of lamenting in southern India, particularly in Tamil Nadu, Pondicherry, and North-Eastern Sri Lanka. Oppari is a folk song tradition and is often an admixture of eulogy and lament. The oppari is typically sung by a group of women relatives who came to pay respects to the departed in a death ceremony. It is a means to express one's own grief and also to share and assuage one's grief for the deceased. Many communities use the oppari to express their grief at a funeral. Sometimes professional oppari singers are recruited, but it is a dying practice.

Gaana is a genre of Tamil music, which is sung in the Madras Bashai dialect of Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. It is rap-like "collection of rhythms, beats and sensibilities native to the Madras people." It evolved over the past two centuries, with influences ranging from the siddhars of ancient Tamilakam to rural Tamil folk music to Tamil sufi mystics. Its popularity rose when it was brought to the music of the mainstream Tamil film industry. Contemporary gaana bands are bringing the genre to new audiences while using it for social activism, especially against caste discrimination.

<i>Coke Studio</i> (Indian TV program) Indian music-television programme

Coke Studio is an Indian music series that's part of the international franchise, Coke Studio. It features live studio recordings by various artists, showcasing a diverse range of music. This includes classical genres from the Indian subcontinent like Hindustani, Carnatic, Indian folk, alongside hip hop, rock, and pop music.

Dheekshitha Venkadeshan, known professionally as Dhee, is an Australian singer known for her work as a playback singer in Indian cinema. Born in Jaffna to Tamil parents, she was raised in Sydney. She is best known for her collaborations with her stepfather, Santhosh Narayanan, and her distinctive alto voice. She won the Filmfare Award for Best Singer for “Kaattu Payale”, from the 2020 film Soorarai Pottru.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bjorn Surrao</span> Indian music composer and actor

Bjorn Surrao is an Indian singer-songwriter, performer, music producer and actor. He initially gained fame for his vocals in the song "Master the Blaster" from the Tamil film Master (2021). The track went on to #1 on iTunes, Apple Music and Spotify listings with over 32 million views on YouTube. Bjorn has an independent music band called "Franks got the Funk". After "Master the Blaster", Bjorn in collaboration with Arivu & Jigarthanda Music worked on a song for Think Music titled "Yenna Sonna" Chennai Super Kings Anthem. His acting gained widespread attention after his supporting comedy role in Doctor (2021). He also starred in Beast with Vijay.

The Casteless Collective is an Indian indie band based in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The band was formed in 2017, with support from the Neelam Panpaatu Maiyam started by filmmaker Pa. Ranjith and filmmaker and film composer Tenma, founder of the label Madras Records.

<i>Irandam Ulagaporin Kadaisi Gundu</i> 2019 Indian Tamil-language film

Irandam Ulagaporin Kadaisi Gundu, also known simply as Gundu (transl. Bomb), is a 2019 Indian Tamil-language drama film directed by Athiyan Athirai. The film stars Dinesh and Anandhi. Produced by Pa. Ranjith under his banner Neelam Productions, the film focuses on the fictional story, inspired from the true events from World War II. The film has cinematography handled by Kishore Kumar, while the music is composed by Tenma. Released on 6 December 2019, the film received critical acclaim from critics and audiences.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">OfRo</span> Indian musician

Rohith Abraham, known professionally as ofRo, is an Indian record producer, singer and songwriter who has worked with Asal Kolaar, Madan Gowri, Sandy, Santhosh Narayanan, Pradeep Kumar, Arivu, Durai, Tenma, ADK, Roshan Jamrock, Psychomantra, and Ben Human, among others. He is the co-founder of Atti Culture, a record label and production company & Madras Medai, a music festival and conference focusing on the growth of independent music in South India.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Enjoy Enjaami</span> 2021 single by Dhee and Arivu

"Enjoy Enjaami" is a Tamil-language song recorded by singer Dhee featuring Indian rapper Arivu and Indian producer Santhosh Narayanan. It was written and sung by lyricist Arivu and Dhee, and composed and arranged by Narayanan under the music label/management Maajja, an independent platform launched by Indian producer A. R. Rahman. The song was released on 7 March 2021.

<i>Therukural</i> 2019 studio album by Arivu and OFRO

Therukural is a studio album composed by Arivu and OfRo, both members of The Casteless Collective. The band also produced the album, which highlights various political themes and was touted to be a hip-hop album with a social message. The album was released on 26 June 2019, and received positive response upon release.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Yanchan Produced</span> Musical artist

Yanchan Rajmohan, known professionally as Yanchan Produced, is a Canadian-Tamil producer, songwriter, mixing engineer, and mridangist. Known for making beats with a South Asian twist, Rajmohan's release of solo and collaborative projects have garnered over 12 million streams on Spotify.

"Neeye Oli" is the 2021 Tamil song composed by Santhosh Narayanan and Shan Vincent de Paul, who also recorded the track along with Navz-47; with lyrics for the track being written by Arivu and Shan Vincent de Paul. It is the second release from the upcoming studio album Made in Jaffna curated by Shan which was under production for four years. It released on 30 June 2021 by the music label/management Maajja, an independent platform launched by A. R. Rahman. The song is used as the theme track for Pa. Ranjith-directorial Sarpatta Parambarai.

<i>Coke Studio Bharat</i> Indian music series

Coke Studio Bharat is an Indian music series that's part of the international franchise, Coke Studio. It features live studio recordings by various artists, showcasing a diverse range of music. This includes classical genres from India like Hindustani, Carnatic, Indian folk, alongside hip hop, rock, and pop music.

Coke Studio Tamil is an Indian music series that is part of the international franchise, Coke Studio. It features live studio recordings by various artists, showcasing a diverse range of music. This includes classical genres from Tamil Nadu, India, alongside hip hop, rock, and pop music.

Krithika Nelson is an Indian singer, songwriter, lyricist, Assistant Director and dubbing artist primarily known for her work in Tamil films.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rashmeet Kaur</span> Musical artist

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mass Appeal India</span> Indian record label

Mass Appeal India is an Indian record label. It is a subsidiary hip hop label of the parent American Mass Appeal Records. The label had partnered with The Orchard for music distribution.

Yashraj, known previously as Yashraj Mehra is an Indian rapper, writer, and composer. He is primarily known for his songs like "Ishq Nachaawe" from the film Kho Gaye Hum Kahan, "Murder Mubarak Title Track" from the film Murder Mubarak, and his single tracks like "Dhundhala", "Gabbar, "DLL" and "Daae / Baae". He has featured in Vogue and Grazia Magazine.

Anish,, better known by his stage name Paal Dabba, is Indian rapper, singer, songwriter and choreographer from Chennai, Tamil Nadu. He is best known for his singles 170CM, Galatta, and Kaathu Mela.

References

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  2. Sriram, Jayant (15 March 2019). "Ground Zero | How Chennai's Casteless Collective uses music to talk about social and political issues". The Hindu. ISSN   0971-751X. Archived from the original on 7 November 2020. Retrieved 4 May 2024.
  3. Tagat, Anurag (2 August 2019). "Speaking truth to power with Arivu and ofRO". The Hindu. ISSN   0971-751X. Archived from the original on 22 August 2021. Retrieved 15 March 2021.
  4. Xalxo, Anurag Tagat David Britto and Jessica (31 December 2019). "10 Best Indian Albums of 2019". Rolling Stone India. Retrieved 5 May 2024.
  5. 1 2 Shekar, Anjana (27 June 2019). "'Therukural' by Arivu-ofRO is a brilliant Tamil hiphop album". The NEWS Minute. Archived from the original on 2 October 2024. Retrieved 2 October 2024.
  6. Tagat, Anurag (24 April 2019). "5 New Politically Conscious Hip-Hop Songs Out This Election Season". Rolling Stone India. Retrieved 5 May 2024.
  7. Seetharaman, G. (21 July 2019). "Rapping truth to power: Arivu pulls no punches in his album 'Therukural'". The Economic Times.
  8. 1 2 Sunil, Samyukhtha (24 May 2022). "Arivu's New Band 'Ambassa' Explores The Rich Heritage & Lore Of Tamil Culture". Homegrown. Retrieved 4 May 2024.
  9. 1 2 White, Dan (15 September 2023). "Arivu, the massively popular and groundbreaking Indian rapper, will play an intimate outdoor show at UCSC's Quarry Amphitheater, presented by the Center For South Asian Studies". UCSC Newscenter. Archived from the original on 24 July 2024. Retrieved 2 October 2024.
  10. Coke Studio Tamil (10 April 2024). Coke Studio Tamil | Thamizh Vaazhthu | Arivu & Ambassa Band . Retrieved 14 November 2024 via YouTube.
  11. "Spotify". open.spotify.com. Retrieved 13 November 2024.
  12. Singles on UK Asian Music Chart:
  13. "Arivu and Madan Gowri's 'Monkeys with 5G' talks of modern discrimination". The news minute. 13 May 2020. Archived from the original on 18 May 2020. Retrieved 22 May 2020.
  14. "Yuvan's independent single with Arivu and Yunohoo to be released on June 26". The Times of India . 21 June 2021. Archived from the original on 16 July 2023. Retrieved 17 June 2023.
  15. Dhee ft. Arivu - Enjoy Enjaami (Prod. Santhosh Narayanan), 6 March 2021, retrieved 7 March 2021
  16. Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (27 October 2024). Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam: Ideology Song | தமிழக வெற்றிக் கழகம்: கொள்கைப் பாடல் . Retrieved 13 November 2024 via YouTube.
  17. "Winners Of The Filmfare Awards South 2022 - Tamil". filmfare.com. Retrieved 5 May 2024.
  18. "Edison Awards 2022".
  19. Magudam Awards 2022 | அடித்தட்டு மக்கள் படும்பாட்டை பாட்டால் சொல்லும் பாட்டுக்காரன் Therukural Arivu . Retrieved 5 May 2024 via www.youtube.com.
  20. Vikatan Awards | வடிவேலு நடிச்சாதான் மாமன்னன் செய்றதுன்னு உறுதியா இருந்தேன் - மாரி செல்வராஜ் . Retrieved 5 May 2024 via www.youtube.com.