At just 17, Imani-J is already carving out a powerful voice in the R&B and Afrobeats scene.
This September 4, the singer-songwriter, dancer, and performer will release her debut EP, ‘EXPECTATIONS’ - a deeply personal project exploring the pressures she places on herself, as well as those from relationships, identity, school, and career.
In July, Imani-J travelled to the US for a writing trip in LA and Seattle, performing internationally at Seattle’s The Kitchen and collaborating with Max Levin, Bam Marley (embargoed), Antoine Harris. This September, she’ll take her sound even further with a three-week writing residency in London, working alongside UK producers Subculture, BINA, Dom Valentino, and GG.
Career Highlights So Far:
• Scholarship recipient for Prodigy Writing Camp, Seattle — mentored by Chapell Roan (embargoed)
• First international performance at The Kitchen, Seattle
• Studio collaborations in LA with Bam Marley (embargoed), Max Levin, and Antoine Harris
• Winner of Victoria Vibes Festival opening slot, Auckland
• Afrobeats Stage performance at Newtown Festival, Wellington
• Three-day APRA mentorship with Tiki Taane
• Music sync on Shortland Street with track “Blue Goodbyes”
Upcoming:
• Opening act for Where’s Jai — San Fran, Wellington (Aug 23)
• Writing residency in London — Sept 6–20
• Second international performance — The Grace, Islington, London (September 17)
• Summer tour planned for 2025/26