Arivu

Arivarasu Kalainesan, more commonly known as Arivu, is an Indian composer, rapper, singer and songwriter. He is best known for his independent singles like Enjoy Enjaami, Sanda Seivom, Kalla Mouni and for film numbers like "Vathi Raid" from Master (2020), "Single Pasanga" from Natpe Thunai (2019), and "Neeye Oli" from Sarpatta Parambarai (2021).

Career
In 2017, Arivu auditioned and became a part of the The Casteless Collective band, an initiative by film director Pa Ranjith. Arivu rose to prominence as a songwriter and rapper through his electrifying singles, such as the Jaibhim Anthem and Quota song. His independent singles and contributions to numerous songs for the band led Arivu to gain recognition for his socially conscious lyrics and ferocious delivery.

Arivu’s debut solo album, "Therukural" (Voice of the Street), produced by Ofro released in 2019, received widespread acclaim for its powerful messages and innovative fusion of hip-hop with traditional Tamil folk music elements. Bangers like Anti-Indian and Kalla Mouni captured the political imagination of the youth and spoke truth to power. Therukural received reviews and was featured in Rolling Stone India as one of the top ten Indian albums in 2019. The anti-Indian song was picked up by Rolling Stone India as one of the "politically conscious hip-hop songs" out there. Arivu's lyrics are known for their poignant storytelling and thought-provoking narratives, earning him a dedicated fan base not only in Tamil Nadu but also across India and beyond.

In August 2021, Rolling Stone India heralded Arivu as ‘the voice of socio-political hip-hop, smashing records and defying social norms’ and featured him in its digital cover.

Arivu & The Ambassa
Parallel to this, Arivu also leads the 10-piece band Ambassa, founded in 2022 is touring across India and abroad. Ambassa is a colloquial term in Tamil for 50 paise. Arivu and the crew intend to produce music that endorses brotherhood, power, and the strength that lies in unity. On October 7, 2023, Arivu & The Ambassa performed a show title "Ambassa in America" for the University of California, Santa Cruz in the USA.

Albums

 * Therukural (2019)
 * Valliamma Peraandi - Vol. 01 (2024)

Awards

 * Blacksheep Voice Awards 2024 Revolutionary Voice Award
 * Vikatan Nambikkai Awards 2023 Top Ten Youth
 * Filmfare Award 2022 Best Lyricist Tamil for Neeye Oli
 * Behindwoods Gold Medals 2022 Golden Voice of the Future – Tamil
 * Galatta Crown Awards 2022 Best independent Lyricist for Enjoy Enjaami
 * Blacksheep Digital Awards 2022 Sensational Song of the Year – Enjoy Enjaami
 * Edison Awards 2022 - Best Tamil Rapper of the Year
 * News18 Magudam Awards 2022 for Arts and Culture