Daily Inspiration: Meet IMANI

Today we’d like to introduce you to IMANI

Hi IMANI, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I have had a love for music ever since I was a kid. Participating in school musicals, singing around the house, and doing little performances in our family living room. Coming from two entertainer parents, Flex Alexander and Shanice, I guess you could say it is in my DNA. My mom and my grandma Crystal would give me singing lessons when I was growing up because they knew the love I have for music and wanted to help me be the best I can be. As I have grown up and became an adult, I have discovered such a different and even more beautiful relationship with music and songwriting. I have always been a storyteller and music is a way that I feel like I can best do that. My belief in myself and encouragement from my family has allowed me to get to the place I am in today.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely has not been easy, but I wouldn’t change it for the world. When I was younger I was in two girl groups. The Gurlie Gurlz (10 years old) and Touch of Pink (12 years old). As those groups came to an end I almost felt like giving up on music altogether. But it always found its way back to me. I knew deep down inside I would be so upset with myself if I let those situations stop me from pursuing my dreams. So I kept going. I kept singing. I kept exploring music and discovering my artistry. I have dealt with my fair share of negative people and situations but I believe I wouldn’t be where I am today or have the mindset I have today without going through those things.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
If you haven’t hopped on the train yet you might want to hop on now! My name is IMANI and I am a singer/songwriter from Los Angeles California. My music reflects the styles of r&b, jazz, and neo soul. Some of my biggest musical inspirations besides my mom, include Ariana Grande, Ella Fitzgerald, and Alex Isley. I put out my first original single titled Crazy4U in February 2024 which I co-wrote with my dear friend Chyna, daughter of the icon Faith Evan’s. She is someone who has helped me in ways i’m not sure she even knows! So I am forever thankful for her. I am most proud of myself for sharing my music with the world this year. That is something that is so vulnerable and can be scary, but once it’s out it’s such a freeing feeling that I can’t even explain. I have always been and will continue to be my true authentic self. I believe that is something so important. Not letting the negative opinions of others dictate anything because of course people will always have something to say. As long as you always stay true to yourself, nothing or no one can get in your way. I have so much more coming in 2025. The world is about to see a different side of me that has been locked away for a while. I don’t think you guys are ready!! Y’all better stay tuned!

Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
What makes me happy is being able to do what I love. I believe that we were given gifts and talents from birth to be able to use them. To be able to make an impact. And knowing that there is no one else like you in this world. There is only one you. No one else can imitate something that is for you and only you and I think that’s a beautiful thing. It’s beautiful to see so many different talents and forms of art from people from all different walks of life. I also love being able to share my music with the world knowing that people out there will be able to relate or feel seen. Because I know that I have so many artists that I feel that for so I am happy that I can be one to someone else. Being able to also have such a talented group of close friends who are also artists makes me so happy. Playing our music for each other in the car, writing songs together, or doing karaoke. It’s something so healing for me and I’m so blessed to have that. And having an amazing support system of my family and friends who have been with me every step of the way. Having their support means so much and I couldn’t be more grateful.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://linktr.ee/imaniimusic
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imaniimusic?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@imaniimusic?si=oq9b6kckECYZXsxJ
• Other: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/imani/1712561587