Arka

Introducing: Arka

Arka is a young rapper and songwriter transcending genres and expectations across UK Garage, Grime and UK Rap. Arka rose into the limelight through his effortless flowing freestyle ‘Working Late’, gaining over 375K TikTok views and 650k streams. In 2022, he dropped single ‘Biggidy Back’ and a ‘Next Up?’ freestyle with Mixtape Madness which were supported on radio across BBC Radio 1Xtra (Snoochie Shy) and Capital XTRA. His release in February 2023, ‘Alright (feat. Aida Lae)’ garnered support from BBC 1Xtra (Sian Anderson) and community stations (Unity, Pie). Arka collaborated with Adidas Football and Declan Rice to create the soundtrack for the brand’s new YouTube series, Rising Ballers.

Originally from Hastings, Arka’s passion for music began at a young age from watching his dad perform in a band. Inspired by his dad and following the footsteps of UK biggest rappers, Arka took every opportunity to rap the ‘old school way’ by jumping on the mic at parties with his friends and laying down bars over various grime and dance beats in his bedroom. “I listen to a lot of real rap. Nines, Dave, Potter Payper. Not the life I live but I respect the way they tell the story,  the punchlines and everything about the way they rap is truly inspirational”, says Arka. While he draws on these rappers' flow and authenticity in his own writing, he creates a niche sound all his own based on his lived experience. Arka’s sound reflects his life now as a student and young rapper - playful and lighthearted, utilising bright melodies and energetic beats, and rapping about university, girls, football, and of course, partying.

Having already accompanied the global superstar Dave on stage at LoveBox and signing to NQ Records, it’s only a matter of time before Arka has that stage to himself.