Vivek-Mervin
Arivarasu Kalainesan, more commonly known as Arivu, is an Indian rapper, singer, songwriter and composer. He is best known for his Tamil 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), "Golden Sparrow" from Nilavuku En Mel Ennadi Kobam and "Thalapathy Kacheri" from Jana Nayagan (2026).
Career Timeline
In 2023, Arivu is offered the opportunity to be the curator for the Coke Studio Tamil season 1 along with Sean Roland
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.
In 2023, Arivu is offered the opportunity to be the curator for the Coke Studio Tamil season 1 along with Sean Roland
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.
Arivu also leads the 10-piece band Ambassa, founded in 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. Ambassa is a colloquial term in Tamil for 50 paisa.
Arivu also leads the 10-piece band Ambassa, founded in 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. Ambassa is a colloquial term in Tamil for 50 paisa.
In August 2021, Rolling Stone India called Arivu "the voice of socio-political hip-hop, smashing records and defying soc
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.
In August 2021, Rolling Stone India called Arivu "the voice of socio-political hip-hop, smashing records and defying soc
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.
In 2021, Arivu achieved a career milestone with the release of Enjoy Enjaami, a Tamil single produced by the music label
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 2021, Arivu achieved a career milestone with the release of Enjoy Enjaami, a Tamil single produced by the music label
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 2019, Arivu's debut album Therukural (Tamil: Voice of the Street) was released
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". Therukural received positive reviews and was featured in Rolling Stone India as one of the top ten Indian albums in 2019. "Anti-Indian" was described as a "politically conscious hip-hop song" by Rolling Stone India. His music has won him praise "from commoners and musicians alike" and he has been described as top of the list of people who can to "use the power of music to move the public".
In 2019, Arivu's debut album Therukural (Tamil: Voice of the Street) was released
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". Therukural received positive reviews and was featured in Rolling Stone India as one of the top ten Indian albums in 2019. "Anti-Indian" was described as a "politically conscious hip-hop song" by Rolling Stone India. His music has won him praise "from commoners and musicians alike" and he has been described as top of the list of people who can to "use the power of music to move the public".
Arivu gained widespread recognition through his association with The Casteless Collective, a Chennai-based band that use
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". 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".
Arivu gained widespread recognition through his association with The Casteless Collective, a Chennai-based band that use
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". 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".
About Vivek-Mervin
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. Arivu gained widespread recognition through his association with The Casteless Collective, a Chennai-based band that uses music to address caste oppression, inequality, and
2017–present
Notable facts
All works is in Tamil, unless specified otherwise.
Valliamma Peraandi – Vol. 01 (2024)
Tamil-language playback singers
Tamil-language lyricists
Indian male singer-songwriters
Articles with short description
Short description matches Wikidata
Use dmy dates from August 2020
Discography
No discography indexed yet for this artist.
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Discography at a glance
3
Songs on Lyrks0
Albums3
SinglesFrequently asked questions
Arivarasu Kalainesan, more commonly known as Arivu, is an Indian rapper, singer, songwriter and composer. He is best known for his Tamil 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), "Golden Sparrow" from Nilavuku En Mel Ennadi Kobam and "Thalapathy Kacheri" from Jana Nayagan (2026).
Vivek-Mervin has been active during 2017–present.
Lyrks has lyrics for 3 songs by Vivek-Mervin.