Never ceasing her burning desire to expand her knowledge, Arewa is a singer, actress, dancer, model, writer, director, cinematographer, and editor. She is influenced by many legendary artists including Michael Jackson, Usher, Childish Gambino, Jhene Aiko and Tyler the Creator. Like these artists, Arewa puts her many talents on display in not only her songwriting but her music video. Her name Arewa is the Yoruban word for beautiful, and in no way does she fall short of this term. Her newest release “This Fire” is a steamy anthem for women empowerment, self-love, and romance. “This Fire” has an echoing background of vocals paired with an R&B beat. Arewa drags out her notes with her soulful vocals and powerful range.
Lyrically Arewa is singing to a love story about their powerful connection. With her yearning vocals and the song’s laid back melody, the heat of “This Fire” is real. To complement its sound, the video for “This Fire” is a vintage love story. Arewa wakes up to a subtle single rose on her bed, and, throughout the video, she slowly collects more roses from her significant other. It has a retro aesthetic; switching between different sensual outfits and visual effects. Arewa is essentially showered with love as she acts out displays of intense romance. The end of the video has a provocative twist; she wakes up to find that her experiences were all a dream, only to see all four roses on the floor of her bedroom. The video is an ideal representation of the passion involved in Arewa’s single “This Fire.”
Listen to "This Fire" here.
Welcome to BuzzMusic Arewa! We were captivated by the contagious confidence you spread with your song and video for “This Fire.” Can you tell us about your creative process for both the song and the video?
I listen to a lot of romantic R&B music, and lately, I’ve been listening to a lot of Alina Baraz. I love her poetic her love songs are, so I wanted to create something of my own. This Fire is my first recorded love song. The song was originally written to a beat I discovered on YouTube, and it was titled, Over There. Then I sang it over a beat, that was sent to me by Real Jem Music, and I just loved the way it sounded over the beat. I did a photoshoot for Valentine’s Day (the photo from the cover art was from that shoot), and those photos inspired me to release a song for Valentine’s Day as well. I then reached out to Real Jem and told him I would like to record a song with his beat. I released the song on SoundCloud for Valentine’s Day.
The song release was pretty spontaneous, but the video shoot was more spontaneous. After the release, I decided I wanted to put to song out on all platforms, along with a music video. I reached out to my cinematographer friend from Great a House Vision and asked him to shoot and edit my video. I then booked an Airbnb and wrote out the treatment the day before the shoot. I also booked the male role the day before the shoot. I am usually an intense planner. This song release was not part of my 2020 plans, but I am happy I went for it and put out a great piece of art.
It is important to you to spread positivity, women empowerment and confidence in your music. How are some ways you focus on spreading this message, and why is it important to you?
I create songs that many women can sing along to and resonate with. My top two songs, Nappy and Type of Girl, have lyrics that grant women the opportunity to speak light and positivity into themselves. My visuals also mirror my song lyrics, in that they display self-love, self-acceptance, and self-confidence. This is important to me because I believe the arts can be healing. Music is very healing. I once wanted to be a medical technologist, and find cures for diseases, but my love for the arts always outweighed my love for science and math. Being able to create and share music that evokes emotion, allows people to feel, and be healed, is truly powerful to me. I’ve had many testimonials from people that have listened to my music, which I never expected. One of my friends told me my song and music video for Nappy inspired her to go natural. Since then I’ve realized I can spread positivity through my music, and heal through my music.
You have had many musical inspirations over the years including Michael Jackson, Usher, Childish Gambino, Tyler the Creator and Jhene Aiko. Can you elaborate on how these artists influence your music style?
I am inspired by so many people. As a child, I mostly listen to Michael Jackson and Usher, and I believe they are just truly gifted with singing and dancing skills. I love that Tyler the Creator and Childish Gambino have had their hand in many fields of entertainment. Along with singing, I am also working towards becoming a Screenwriter, Director, Actor, Fashion Designer, and Philanthropist. I love Jhene Aiko’s style, and I believe our content is very similar. She has music that is healing, as well as music that is fun and sexy. I love the balance.
Your music video for “This Fire” included a twist at the end where you woke up to realize it was all a dream, only to find the story to be true. Can you tell us more about the story behind your lyrics and your video for “This Fire?”
The song is basically about wanting a sensual romantic experience, where I am figuratively taken to many places. I am essentially in one location, enjoying quality time with my partner, and our intimacy feels like I am being taken on an adventure. The idea for the music video came randomly. I wanted to display the idea of going on an adventure, all while being in one location. Each time I am handed a rose, I am then taken somewhere else within my home.
What can we expect to see from you throughout the rest of 2020?
I stated earlier that I never planned to release a new song or music video around this time, but it happened anyway. I really enjoyed the feeling I got when I impulsively decided to work in this song and video. Therefore, I know the rest of 2020 will consist of more music, videos, acting, and such, but that’s all I can say right now. I am working on many things and just going with the flow, and with what feels right at any given moment.