Rising Stars: Meet Imari Golden Wade

I started “New Golden Emperor” in October of 2021 with hopes to rebrand my music and my creative direction. In November of 2021, I signed with 50/50 Global Music, under Sony Orchard and have been able to branch out while also recording & releasing a few tracks.

“New Golden Emperor” is not just music. It’s mission is to become a platform that I will introduce shortly. Before NGE, I solely dedicated my time to creating music only. This is a fresh start with a bigger motive.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Not a breeze! Lol but I have faith that it will be worth it one day. Most importantly, I understand that there is no glory without pain, and no struggle without force. I just remember to keep going. Also, I’m a single, working mother, so I have to juggle my passion with my life necessities. But being focused and consistent makes it a little easier.

Another struggle that is common with most international artists on a similar path, is where we originate from. I was raised on the island of Bermuda, where the music industry isn’t as active or aggressive as it is in the mainstream world, so pushing harder is extremely necessary to survive and thrive in this industry. There is always a requirement for an additional financial push to make the same gains as someone that might already be in the US or any other major city. That’s probably one of the most frequent challenges I have encountered before NGE and even to this day. But that’s life!

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Stage name: “Imari”. Writer/ International Recording Artist Circa, November 2009.

Music appreciation is best received when there is a story to tell and your audience can relate to the subject. Imari likes to tell stories using her lyrically explosive, innovative rap style, all whilst remaining true to herself. She applies her street knowledge combined with personal experiences to attack the mic without fear of going against the grain.

The artist gives no credit to any one artist for her style, however, pays homage to musical influences from many different genres. She tends to mix & blend, being a hip-hop artist from the Islands! Imari’s performance experience includes numerous locations around her island home in Bermuda, at popular venues such as the Royal Naval Dockyard, City Hall Theater, Ruth Seaton James Theater, Bermuda National Gallery, and Botanical Gardens just to name a few.

Other notable performances include the annual Bob Marley Legend Concert at Barr’s Bay Park, Best of the Best at Gombey’s Beach Bar, Bermuda Salute Concert at Tiger Bay St George’s, and a few Bermuda New Year’s Eve Celebrations. In earlier years of performing, Imari received 3 HipHop awards, over a 2-year cycle of the “Bermuda Underground Music Awards” HOTT 107.5, Bermuda’s top radio station.

Furthermore, they announced the artist as the first Annual HipHop Champion Winner. Notably, She was the only female in the competition that proceeded to the finals. A few years after that over a live Broadcast on the local channel “Fresh TV” Imari received the Inaugural “Sally Bassett Award” which is a respected historical figure in her Island home Bermuda.

Amongst other awards, She received the “Rock the Mic” title and was invited to teach and facilitate student workshops in creative hip-hop writing. Imari’s first international performance was in Toronto while traveling with entertainment charity The ChewStick Foundation on the “ChewRonto Tour” in April 2011.

In December 2014, She was fortunate to travel on her second international performance to the island of Jamaica to take the stage at “Magnum Sting” in Portmore, and “JamFest” in Montego Bay. In March 2015, The Artist performed 7 shows, over a 3-week Sold Out tour in the United Kingdom with the dancehall sensation “Gully Bop”. That same year, the City of Hamilton (Bermuda) in conjunction with the St. Elizabeth Council of Jamaica held an Independence Day concert in Black River.

Imari was honored to be the headliner for the celebration of the independence of Jamaica, representing Twin City Bermuda. Soon after that, She had her first performance in the United States alongside “Professor Nuts” & the “No Apology Band” in the state of Florida. Over the past few years, Imari also has been blessed with the opportunity to open for numerous international entertainers and perform with major live bands.

In October 2021 “New Golden Emperor” became the new brand to represent “Imari”. In November 2021 Imari (NGE) signed with 50/50 Global Muzik/Sony Music /Orchard with publishing via Sony Music Publishing/Orchard. …The artist’s goals are to continue to write and record her best work as She pursues her passions on this international journey.

What were you like growing up?
I was always into music just not into actually recording, more so the vibe music creates for a person. I was an extremely rough and stubborn kid. I wasn’t into girly activities and gave my parents plenty of hell! But I tried and eventually, I found a happy medium…. I think lol. I loved activities like soccer, band, basketball, track, drums, and riding bikes.

I remember a family member insisted to my mama that I became a majorette and honestly I wasn’t impressed, but I didn’t back down to the challenge. I put on those damn sparkly outfits and white tassel boots and tossed my baton like expected! That lasted about a year before I decided it was never going to be a part of my future [LOL] but it was a great experience.