We were lucky to catch up with ARENYE recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, ARENYE thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about how you’ve thought about whether to sign with an agent or manager?
Yeah, I do. My team at Million Vibes plays a big role in helping me secure opportunities and ensuring I’m properly compensated for my work. I met Stak, who’s now my manager and also a co-founder of Million Vibes, back in university. At first, he was my producer—we just connected over music. Over the years, that working relationship evolved into something bigger. We shared a vision, and from that, Million Vibes was born. It became more than just a team; it’s a collective of artists, producers, and creatives all pushing a global sound from the East Coast.
I think we decided to work together because we saw the same potential in each other. It wasn’t just about making music—it was about building something sustainable, a movement that could amplify not just my career but the careers of everyone involved. And as for why Stak and the team believed in me? I think they saw my consistency, my passion, and the fact that I was always willing to push boundaries creatively. At the end of the day, Million Vibes is built on trust, shared ambition, and a real love for the music.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is aRENYE, and I’m an artist deeply rooted in Afrobeats, blending it with various global influences to create a unique sound. Originally from Nigeria, I found my love for music and songwriting at an early age. Hip-hop and Afrobeats were a huge part of my world growing up, and I quickly realized that writing and performing were more than just passions—they were my calling.
When I moved to Canada, specifically Nova Scotia, to further my education, I knew I wanted to keep pushing my music. That’s when I connected with Moon and the Official Night Owls team. They played a huge role in helping me develop my craft—not just as a rapper, but as a full-fledged artist with a strong understanding of production, performance, and the industry as a whole. Being in a region where Afrobeats wasn’t yet a dominant force, I saw an opportunity to build something bigger than myself. I started working toward creating a scene and a hub for Afrobeats lovers on the East Coast, where artists and fans alike could come together to celebrate the sound and culture.
That journey led me to co-founding Million Vibes, a collective that has grown into a powerhouse for global music in this region. We’re not just a group of artists—we’re a movement, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible for Black and international music in Atlantic Canada. Through this, I’ve been able to bring my vision to life, not only through my own music but by fostering a community that elevates others as well.
As an artist, I provide more than just music—I bring an experience. My sound is an evolving fusion of Afrobeats, hip-hop, and contemporary influences, made for people who appreciate rhythm, storytelling, and raw energy. Whether it’s through my recorded tracks, live performances, or collaborations, I focus on bringing authenticity and a fresh perspective to every project.
One of my proudest moments so far has been receiving the ANSMA Pioneer Award, which recognized my contributions to growing the Afrobeat movement in the region. It’s an honor to be acknowledged for helping to lay the groundwork for what is now a thriving scene. Beyond awards, I take the most pride in knowing that my music and my work are opening doors for other artists like me—creators who want to share their culture and artistry with the world.
If there’s one thing I want people to know about me and my brand, it’s that I am committed to growth, innovation, and impact. My music is more than just sound; it’s a reflection of my journey, my faith, my heritage, and my vision for the future. And for anyone who’s been supporting from the start or just discovering my work now—trust that we’re only getting started.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
My creative journey is driven by a simple but powerful mantra: Create. Execute. Repeat. To me, the ‘repeat’ part is just as important as the first two—it means never stopping, always pushing forward, and continuously evolving. After every milestone, I reset and go again, finding new ways to elevate my craft and my impact.
A big part of my mission is to build and sustain a space for Afrobeats and global music on the East Coast. When I first came to Nova Scotia, there wasn’t much of a scene for artists like me. That pushed me to not just make music but to create a movement—one where Afro-inspired sounds could thrive and be recognised at the same level as other genres. Through my work with Million Vibes, I want to keep breaking barriers, introducing new audiences to our sound, and providing a platform for other artists who are carving out their own lanes.
Beyond music, my goal is to inspire people to find what works best for them and run with it. Everyone’s journey is different, but once you lock in on your purpose and stay consistent, that’s when the real magic happens. For me, what keeps me grounded and fuels my drive is my faith. It gives me the strength to keep pushing, no matter the challenges. I truly believe that with faith and persistence, anything is possible.
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
A book that has had a huge impact on my thinking is Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson. Steve Jobs’ approach to innovation, branding, and execution is something I really connect with. His ability to see the bigger picture, obsess over details, and turn ideas into cultural movements is something I try to apply to my own work.
I admire how he didn’t just create products—he created experiences that reshaped entire industries. That same mindset drives me in music: I don’t just want to make songs; I want to build a world around my sound and create a lasting impact. His emphasis on persistence, focus, and never settling for “good enough” is exactly how I approach my craft and business.
For me, it’s a no-brainer—Steve Jobs’ philosophy on vision, execution, and reinvention perfectly aligns with my own: Create. Execute. Repeat.”
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rennygramm/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@playrenny
- Other: Million Vibes : https://www.instagram.com/million___vibes/
Image Credits
For the studio images : Meghan Tansey Whitton @megsapixel
For Stage images: Robin Ghislain Shumbusho @iamgessyy