Edward Rivera

Born in Northridge, California to Puertorican parents, I have been singing since I was child. I began singing in church with my mom and then singing in an Orlando based independent gospel choir during my teens. I have always loved music and the joy it brought to life. As a late bloomer in life, I decided to pursue singing contemporary Christian music and recorded a demo when I was 18. Then I decided to go the “safe route” and went to school for business about a year later. At the time, I didn’t think school was for me so I dropped out and began singing and songwriting with different local DJ’s in Orlando. After moving to Phoenix, AZ, I decided to pursue singing again. I created an artist name or a persona, Akani, which means “enemy” in Taino (indigenous tribe in Puerto Rico) and I worked on an LP which I titled Poeta Sufrido or heartbroken poet. I released the album and video for “Bailalo” single off the album in 2008. By 2009, I decided again to go the “safe route” and went back to school to complete what I had started. I graduated with a Bachelor’s in Arts Degree in Psychology from Arizona State University and decided to continue working a corporate job as I was doing to support myself while attending the University. Music has continued beckoning me and in recent years I decided to check out a few open mics and sing acapella. I joined a meetup titled Shy Guys and Shy Gals because it had an open mic event. After singing acapella the first time, I met a few other musicians who I began to sing with as the house band titled Sweet Musical Fusion performing cover songs and songwriting. I find myself resetting my story to what it should have been all along, loving music and singing. I grew up aspiring to be a singer and have finally found the confidence and courage to pursue it later on in life. It is a passion that continues to resurface and this time I am heeding the call.

I am here to network and be of service in using my vocal ability. Please tell me about your project and let’s collaborate!