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We’re excited to be speaking today with acclaimed two-time JUNO Award nominated folk singer and all-around nice fellow, Ahkinoah Habah Izarh who is best known by his far-famed nom de plume AHI; greetings and salutations AHI and welcome to Vents Magazine! Before we meander down the Q&A musical pathway, how is the New Year finding you and yours?
A) 2025 is off to a great start for me and mine! I just released the greatest music I’ve ever created, and I’m incredibly proud of that – not to mention the response so far has been incredibly positive, so I’m just grateful.
Major kudos and accolades on your freshly-minted new album The Light Behind The Sun which is melting the hearts of music lovers all around the ever-lovin’ globe! Starting at the top, can you talk about what inspired this beautiful new LP?
A) Thank you so much! The Light Behind The Sun came from a very personal place. It’s a freeing feeling, emerging from the space I was in while creating my last album Prospect which felt much heavier emotionally and spiritually. There were moments in my life when I was struggling with finding light in the darkest of times, and so on this album I wanted to create something that captured the beauty and the triumph in those moments. This record is about embracing vulnerability and using it as a source of strength on a journey towards healing, which I believe we’re all after in one way or another.
The Light Behind The Sun was produced by the rightly lauded industry veteran Rahki! What was it like collaborating with Rahki on the new album?
A) Rahki was absolutely incredible as a collaborator. Despite his incredible resume, he is one of the most humble people you’ll ever meet. From day one, he welcomed me into his studio and did everything in his power to help bring my vision to life and allow my voice to shine through. We both took a chance on each other; we walked into that studio as strangers and walked out as brothers.˘
In your humble opinion, what differentiates The Light Behind The Sun album from the Distinguished Competition on the 2025 music landscape?
A) The Light Behind The Sun is different because it’s rooted in something deeply personal yet universally resonant. While a lot of music today leans into trends and production-heavy sounds, this album strips things back to the essence—raw storytelling, organic instrumentation, and soul-stirring melodies. It’s an album created by an all-Black creative team in a genre where that’s rare, and that representation alone makes it stand out. But beyond that, it’s a record that carries weight, history, and heart. It’s about resilience, light, and finding beauty in the struggle. In a music landscape that’s constantly shifting, I think what sets this album apart is that it wasn’t made to fit in—it was made to stand the test of time.
We’re big admirers of the gem of a ditty Lost In Time which can be found front-and-center on the new The Light Behind The Sun LP! What’s the story behind this tune?
A) Lost In Time was written while I was on tour in Europe with an artist named Milow. I was standing on stage for my pre-show sound check in Köln, Germany, when I began strumming my guitar and this melody just came to me. I knew it was special, so I placed my phone on the stage next to me and started recording as I sang it into the microphone. As soon as the audio engineer finished, he came up to the stage and asked me, “What song is that!!” I didn’t even have real lyrics for it yet, or a title, but it was undeniably powerful.
In the wake of the release of your new album, can fans look forward to catching you on the touring/performing circuit?
A) With The Light Behind The Sun now released, I’m excited to take this music on the road and connect in person with all the people who have been supporting this record online. For starters, I’ll be heading to Osaka, Japan for the first time to represent Canada at the World Expo, which is crazy! And from there, I’ll be looking forward to a ton of North American shows throughout the summer and fall, so keep an eye out for tour dates!
Who are you inspired by, both in and out of music?
A) Musically, I’m inspired by artists like Bob Marley, whose work transcends genres and speaks to the human experience. Outside of music, my family serves as a constant source of inspiration and grounding.
You hail from the beautiful country of Canada. How do those particular stomping grounds inform you as both an artist and as a person?
A) Growing up in Brampton, Ontario, Canada, has deeply influenced me both personally and artistically. The multicultural environment allowed me to experience a rich tapestry of cultures and musical styles, shaping my unique sound that intertwines folk roots with threads of my Caribbean heritage and global influences.
When working on new music, which generally tends to come to you first during the creative process – The lyrics or the music?
A) My songwriting process often begins with nothing more than my voice and an acoustic guitar, focusing on capturing raw emotion and authenticity. The interplay between lyrics and melody is integral, but I usually find myself with a melody first and the lyrics will be inspired by the feeling that melody inspires.
Any final thoughts you might like to share about your mesmerizing new album The Light Behind The Sun?
A) The Light Behind The Sun is a deeply personal project that celebrates resilience, hope, and the beauty of human connection. I’m grateful to everyone who contributed to bringing this vision to life and I just look forward to seeing the way the music continues to positively impact the lives of others the way that it’s already impacted me.
Facebook: /AHImusic
Twitter: @AHImusic
Instagram: @ahimusic
Website: www.ahimusic.com
