Rising R&B and Afrobeats artist Imani-J has released her highly anticipated new single “EXPECTATIONS”, the title track from her debut EP. At just 17, the Kiwi/Haitian artist is already making waves with her soulful voice, genre-bending sound, and lyrical depth.
Blending smooth R&B melodies, Afrobeats percussion, and sun-drenched guitar riffs, “EXPECTATIONS” captures the beauty and tension of navigating love, desire, and vulnerability. The result is a sound that feels both warming and empowering — the perfect soundtrack for late-night drives or dancing under glowing city lights.
Speaking about her debut EP, Imani-J shares: “My debut EP, EXPECTATIONS, is about the expectations I put on myself and those that others have for me. Each song has its own meaning and story, but the thing that ties them all together is the expectations placed on relationships, friendships, my identity, school and my career. This EP is so special because every word has meaning and is something I have either felt or experienced. I couldn’t be prouder, and I can’t wait to share it with the world.” – Imani-J
Imani-J’s journey so far has been nothing short of inspiring. In the past year, she’s been mentored by Tiki Taane through APRA’s mentoring programme, opened for Ladi6 and Louis Baker, and received a scholarship to attend the Prodigy Writing Camp in Seattle — where she performed her first international show at Madame Lou’s at The Crocodile.
Now, fresh off a writing trip to Los Angeles, Imani-J is gearing up to travel to London, where she’ll collaborate with leading artists and producers in the global R&B and Afrobeats scene as she continues shaping her next chapter.
With “EXPECTATIONS,” Imani-J sets the tone for an exciting new era — one that celebrates authenticity, growth, and self-expression.