Meet Imani Shola

We had the good fortune of connecting with Imani Shola and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Imani, what are you inspired by?
My biggest influences are definitely the artists I grew up listening to. My gospel sound was influenced by the likes of Mary Mary, Darwin Hobbs, Kirk Franklin and CeCe Winans. My soul and jazz sounds were influenced by the big names of the 80s and 90s, names like Nina Simone, Aretha, right through to Patrice Rushen, Fugees, and Soul ii Soul. So my music has the sound of the jazz and soul artists, while having the message of the gospel artists!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Sure, so I guess I’ll start with a bit about me and how I got involved in making music. I’m Imani Shola, I’m an Christian RnB/Soul artist from London, specialising in Soul and Neo-Soul music! Think Cleo Sol, Sade, and Snoh Aalegra – but for Jesus! My goal is to help people live out their walk with God with good music by their side on a day to day. I first got into music as a kid, as my dad played the saxophone and was a massive fan of jazz and soul vinyls. He taught me music theory and basic production, as he was a hobbyist music producer, too. I grew up with a record player always blaring classics from names such as Aretha Franklin, Nina Simone, Miles Davis and Soul ii Soul. If the record player wasn’t on, Dad was playing the saxophone. I’ve been writing songs since I was a child, and I play the piano, too. I released my first single in 2020, and the rest is history.

In terms of the message I’d like people to get from my music, each song has its own unique message but, generally, it’s just to feel validated, seen, affirmed, encouraged and like they have company on their walk with God. I would like people to feel that anything they’re experiencing is likely something many other Christians have walked through or can relate to. When people choose to stream a song by me, they are giving me 3 to 4 minutes of their day to bring joy or comfort. That’s a privilege I don’t take lightly.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’ve always wanted to visit Atlanta, so I would be the best friend! I’m excited to visit one day soon. I’ve heard good things, and some of my favourite influencers and creators are from there!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
It definitely takes a village! I’d say my shoutout has to be to my mum. We’re super close, she’s one of my best friends and she’s a shining example of the woman I want to become.

I would also like to shout out my producers, Vivace and Julius, who have been a pleasure to work with on the latest projects!

Instagram: imani.msc

Twitter: imanishola

Soundcloud: imanishola

Youtube: Imani Shola

Image Credits
Jesse Konadu photography