We recently connected with Imani and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, IMANI thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

I knew I wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally for as long as I can remember. I was born into an entertainment family so it’s all I ever known! My love for music grew over the years starting from watching The Wizard of Oz as a kid and learning all the lines and songs to discovering my own artistry and what music I want to share with the world. I have always been drawn to the arts and music. I have always been a storyteller and I love to write. Music is the thing that I have found that allows me to tell my story best. I’m going to be that artist on stage performing for people who feel most connected to my art and my story. Just how I feel when I am watching my favorite artists on stage. It’s all I have ever wanted and I am on my way there.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I got into the industry having two parents who are entertainers themselves so I have been able to see what it’s like from a very early age. Like I said previously, that is what made me naturally grow a love for the arts, mainly music and acting. I am an upcoming artist with two singles currently out titled Crazy 4U and Tick Tock which I love so much. Those songs are special to me because those are the first pieces of my artistry that I shared with the world. That can be such a vulnerable and scary thing but once it’s out, it’s the best feeling. My goal is to make music that feels like a warm hug. A safe place. Music is a universal language and it’s so beautiful to be able to feel the safest while listening to it. I just love connecting with people. Even outside of my music, I often just talk on my social medias knowing my message or my humor will reach who is supposed to hear it. I am most proud of myself for just doing it. It can be hard to get up and do something and commit to it. But when you love it, it never feels like work. It’s what i’m supposed to be doing. What I was put on this earth to do. I have so much on the way including my next single releasing soon, so look out for that! I want my followers and fans to know that I am here. My music is here. If you feel like you need an escape from reality. If you feel like you need someone to talk to when no one else is listening, you will always have me. I can promise that.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

The goal or mission that is driving my artist journey is my younger self. The little girl who memorized all the lines in The Wizard of Oz. The little girl who watched all of the Shirley Temple movies. The little girl who would put on shows for her family in the living room. She is who I am doing it for. So one day I can look back and tell her we did it. We made it. You got everything you could ever dream of and more. I wanna make her proud. I will make her proud. I wanna show her that all of the ups and downs were what shaped us to where we are today. All of the times she doubted herself and thought she wasn’t good enough. If she only knew how good it is going to get. We made it over the yellow brick road and somewhere over the rainbow!

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

I think society can support artists and creatives best by really just listening to us. Interacting with us. Watching us. Sharing our work with a friend or family. There are so many creative people out there and so many even I have come across online that I feel everyone should know about. It’s truly all about support. Because sometimes followers don’t mean much if they aren’t supporting your work. What matters are the people who are going to continue to show up. Continue to stream that song. Continue to watch that music video every time. Those are the people that will matter and will allow your art to spread amongst others. The people who are meant to see your work will find you. I saw this quote that stuck with me recently. “You are the artist somebody is waiting for.” I agree with that 100 percent. Support artists and creatives in any way you can. We see it, we appreciate it, and it means so much to us.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://linktr.ee/imaniimusic
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imaniimusic
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@imaniimusic
• Other: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/imani/1712561587