Arivu, the renowned Indian rapper, is set to perform an intimate outdoor show at the Quarry Amphitheater of the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) on October 7. This event, presented by the UCSC South Asian Studies Center, features Arivu, born Arivarasu Kalainesan, who gained international acclaim with his Tamil hit “Enjoy Enjaami,” a collaboration with singer Dhee that has garnered over 500 million views on YouTube. His music has been recognized for its role in challenging caste discrimination in India, as described by The Wire, an online magazine.
Arivu is known for his bold singles like ‘Anti-Indian,’ ‘Kalla Mouni,’ and ‘Sanda Seivom,’ which showcase his fearless approach in addressing social and political issues.
The doors to the concert open an hour before the 7 p.m. showtime, and advance registration is mandatory for attendees.
In a cover story from the August 2021 issue, Rolling Stone portrayed Arivu as the “voice of socio-political hip hop” who defies norms and speaks out against systemic injustices. His music takes inspiration from various genres, blending western hip-hop elements like beatboxing and rock with the traditional sounds of Folk, Gaana, and Oppari.
Arivu’s concert is particularly significant in light of the recent passage of SB 403 by the California State Legislature, a landmark bill that, if signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom, would make California the first U.S. state to ban caste-based discrimination.
Anjali Arondekar, UCSC Professor of Feminist Studies and founding director of the Center For South Asian Studies, stressed the importance of Arivu’s anti-caste discrimination message, aligning with the center’s commitment to justice. Arondekar highlighted the center’s scholarly work on caste injustice, secularism, and feminist struggles, as well as its connections with NGOs and initiatives addressing justice in South Asia in the Bay Area.
The Arivu concert is made possible through the support of donors Kamil and Talat Hasan, who have played a foundational role in supporting the CSAS (Center for South Asian Studies), along with contributions from the Anuradha Luther Maitra and Thomas Kailath Program Endowment for the CSAS. Kamil Hasan and Anuradha Luther Maitra serve as trustees of the UC Santa Cruz Foundation.
