Soulstress Imani Shola Returns With The Ultimate Groovy Jam, 'Still On You'
Following the success of her 2023 EP, Mapmaking vol. i, Imani Shola will release lofi soul single, Still On You, on 31 May 2024.
The new release will be the first in a series of singles bringing her listeners back to her RnB Soul niche. Heavily inspired by the likes of Cleo Sol, Snoh Aalegra and Nyah Grace, fans are sure to love the track’s groovy bassline and smooth synth. And, of course, what would an Imani Shola banger be without her silken, immersive harmonies to top it off?
“I’m super excited to get back to my niche and reach the people who will love it! Neo-soul has always been my jam. My 2023 EP explored lots of genres because it was about navigating foreign territories (mapmaking). But this year, I’m home. And Still On You is here to let fans know that. Soul is good for the soul. It feels good to be home!’
This Imani’s characteristic harmonies and prominent backing vocals feature throughout as always, but this time, they take the lead. And where they so often bring comfort in past releases, in Still On You they’re here to energise and motivate. The ultimate motivation bop, Still On You reminds listeners that they are infinitely precious and that their unique skills, gifts and personality are exactly what the world needs.
The track, a neo-soul rework of its Latin-inspired prequel, On You (2023). Imani worked with celebrated producer Philip ‘Vivace’ Asiamah. “It was such a pleasure to work with Philip on this. He’s insanely gifted, creative and patient. We bounced off one another musically and I’m excited to work with him again!”
Hailing from North London, the daughter of a gifted jazz-saxophonist father, Imani has been aligned with the best in Jazz, Soul and Gospel for as long as she can remember. She was raised on the melodies of greats such as Aretha Franklin, Nina Simone and Mary Mary; Miles Davis and Erykah Badu; Eva Cassidy and Norah Jones. More recent influences include the detailed harmonies of Alex Isley, the feminine flair or Nao, and the soothing vocals of Snoh Aalegra and a Cleo Sol.
Like these artists, undertones of jazz and soul colour her works. Imani characterises herself with distinctive harmonies and authentic lyricism, that set her apart.
So far, she has worked alongside producers such as gospel mogul Duane Caleb, Jay Picasso and Jacob F. Essel, who have seen her gift, captured her vision and helped her burst into the industry with a distinctive sound. She's already built up a buzz since her 2020 debut, and has garnered press features from names such as We Write About Music, A Step FWD UK Christian Charts, and Color, to name a few.
She's bold, talented, charismatic, and full of soul, and we can't wait to see what 2024 has in store for Imani. If Still On You is anything to go by, we’re excited to be home, too.
