Today we’d like to introduce you to Imani Gooden.
Imani, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I am a singer-songwriter, recording artist, vocal coach, creative director, and a new author. Overall, I am an artist. Give me a brush and I will paint. Music has been a major part of my life for as long as I can remember. Growing up in a single-parent household proved to be both dysfunctional, yet resourceful. I channeled much of my emotions via songwriting and had written ten songs by age 15. Heavily influenced by my mother’s love of Motown, Dance, Hip hop, Neo Soul, Reggae, dancehall, Soca and Disney musicals, my musical interests transcended genres.
Today, I am proud of my accomplishments, which include placement on the BET movie soundtrack “Lucky Girl”, the release of my solo album “Heart V Mind,” and the recent release of “What About Us,” a collaborative song for Fibroid Awareness month. After losing my mother to uterine Fibroids turned cancerous on Thanksgiving 2020, I also decided to take a deeper look at my physical and mental health. Out of that, I created “My Affirmation Journal”, which is a book to help reaffirm self. I don’t believe I’m special, I’m simply willing to follow my heart and I’m passionate about helping people, whether through music, art, or outreach.
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?
Life has been anything but smooth. Coming from a broken home, life was turbulent. I endured physical and emotional trauma, was a witness to domestic violence and drug abuse and at times took on more than the weight of a child due to dysfunction. This made me doubt my self-worth at times. As a young adult, I had to learn not to seek validation from others. It comes from within.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a creative artist! I love being hands-on in any project I’m involved in. I am most proud of my music video “Bare,” directed by Invisible Imagery Films and at the bold statement it makes. This video showcases eight people of various complexions and body shapes, and I challenge the notion that a person is beautiful only after their glow-up or only when they reach their fitness goal. I even showcase what used to be my biggest insecurity and bare my stretch marks. We are beautiful every step of the journey, and it’s important to remind people that we are beautifully and wonderfully made.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
Shout out to my entire TRIBE. My father, the late Jamel “Sifu Jamal” Hankerson was my first manager. My Late mother, Michelle Gooden, was my biggest motivation. Luckily, before her passing, she contributed to the “Perfection interlude” on my album Heart V Mind. My sisters Shaqualah Gooden, Shakeema Gooden and Jamillah Hankerson have truly assisted me with everything from video concepts, music video cameos, and general brainstorming for show ideas.
Major thanks to Invisible Imagery Films for directing six (and counting) of my music videos. I’d like to thank Venor of KSAP Music for producing my 21 track debut album. This masterpiece took ten years and it was worth it. Huge shoutout to Fyah House Productions and Speaker Riot LLC for contributing to the album. Major credit to my bandmate Laquan “Luce” Toure for penning “One More Time” off my album. There are so many people who have believed in me, and I’m so thankful.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.imanigoodenmusic.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imanigoodenmusic/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Imani-Gooden-Music-166142477272171
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/imanigmusic/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/imanigoodenmusic/
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/imani-g
Image Credits
Liam Profit Chanel Samuels Nady Delarosa Linx Anderson
