Halifax-based artist preaches gospel of creativity with new music

Halifax-based musician Arenye is celebrating the release of his new song with a listening party.

Arenye hails from Nigeria and currently makes music in Nova Scotia, and his work reflects his globe-trotting influences.

“I make Afrobeats music as part of a collective called Million Vibes,” Arenye told CTV News Atlantic’s Katie Kelly. “I’m just here to preach the gospel of creating, executing and repeating.

“Just go out there and be yourself. I just love doing what I do.”

Arenyne is fresh off winning the Pioneer Award at the African Nova Scotian Music Awards last October.

“That was really awesome, you know, for the community, for Afrobeats and just for people who have come from Nigeria and all over the world to just do big things out here,” he said.

Arenye is celebrating the new year with his new song called “23Four.”

“Two-three-four is actually the area code for Nigeria and it’s pretty much me representing where I’m from and also speaking for people who are from Nigeria as well.

“It’s a very tough time for us, we are out here as diaspora and doing the best that we can.”

Arenye is marking the release of the song with a listening party at Rooms Café on Thursday. The show will feature music by DJ King Kayo and unreleased tracks.

“We haven’t had a time to bring the community together and just celebrate,” he said. “I just want everyone to come together, celebrate me, celebrate themselves, smile, energy and, you know, million vibes.”

The show starts at 10 p.m.