Some artists don’t need to shout to be heard. ARKAY-S is one of them. Born in Ghana and now based in France, ARKAY-S is a genre-blending force whose music breathes honesty. With roots deep in Afrobeat, branches reaching into R&B and pop, and a voice that carries both personal truths and universal emotion, he creates not just songs—but states of being. No gimmicks. No pretense. Just raw sincerity layered over pulsing rhythms and lush melodic textures.
His single, “Moon or Sun,” released in June, is a deeply atmospheric offering that feels both confessional and celebratory. The title alone invites introspection—evoking the duality of life: light and dark, clarity and uncertainty, joy and ache. It’s a song about existing in the in-between, and ARKAY-S carries that emotional tension effortlessly throughout his performance.
From the very top, ARKAY-S’ voice becomes the compass guiding us through this emotionally rich soundscape. His delivery is unforced and soulful, but there’s a gravity to it—like every word was lived before it was sung. There’s a warmth in his tone, slightly weathered and reflective, yet still capable of soaring when the hook arrives. His melodic phrasing—especially in the refrain—is sticky in the best way: it stays with you, humming somewhere in your mind long after the music stops. You can feel that this isn’t just performance—it’s presence. And that distinction is rare.
“Moon or Sun” rides on a rhythmic bed of Afrobeat grooves softened by R&B-style textures. The percussion is crisp but never overpowering, with syncopated patterns that keep the momentum flowing. Warm synth pads and minimal guitar flourishes create a kind of twilight mood—perfectly mirroring the theme of contrast.
The production is clean and modern, polished but not sterile. There’s emotion in the mix, which tells you everything you need to know about the intention behind it. No element overstays its welcome. Instead, each part gently supports the core of the track—ARKAY-S’ voice and the weight of his message.
The visual world surrounding “Moon or Sun,” created in collaboration with Directed by Jorac, brings ARKAY-S’ vision to life with striking clarity. The music video capitalizes on the symbolic contrast between shadow and light, mirroring the lyrical and emotional complexity of the song. It’s art that understands its message—and that cohesion between sound and vision only strengthens the experience.
ARKAY-S is not just a new artist to watch; he’s a new voice to feel. “Moon or Sun” captures the ache of introspection, the warmth of rhythm, and the quiet power of truth. It’s the kind of song that feels personal even when you hear it for the first time—because it speaks a language that goes beyond borders. Whether you come for the groove or stay for the story, one thing’s certain: ARKAY-S isn’t chasing trends. He’s chasing truth. And in doing so, he’s bringing us all a little closer to our own.
Listen to “Moon or Sun” on Spotify
Follow ARKAY-S on Instagram