Model and singer Imany (real name Nadia Mlajao) was born on April 5, 1979 in France. Despite the successful start of her career in the modeling business, she did not limit herself to the role of a “cover girl” and, thanks to the beautiful velvety tone of her voice, won the hearts of millions of fans as a singer.
The childhood of Nadia Mlajao
Imani's father and mother lived in the Comoros. Shortly before the birth of their daughter, the parents decided to move to France, where they hoped to provide themselves and the girl with a better life.
Imani was born already in the French town of Martigues, which is located in the Provence region, in the southeast of the country.
As a child, she was distinguished by energy and mobility. To develop these qualities, parents paid for professional sports activities for their daughter.
At first, the girl was engaged in athletics, where she achieved good results in running. Then she was attracted to the high jump.
At the age of 10, my daughter was sent as a student to a children's specialized military school. Here, more serious sports loads, as well as harsh discipline, awaited her.
This part of the singer's life can hardly be called the happiest, but it was at the military school that a new amazing discovery took place - she noticed her ability to music and began to sing.
At first it was classes in the school choir. The teachers immediately realized that the girl was talented because of the extraordinary power of her voice.
At the same time, the young singer listened in the evenings (after school) to the songs of Tina Turner and Billie Holiday, and also dreamed of becoming an actress in New York.
Modeling career Imany
Plans are not always destined to come true. This is what happened to Imani. When she graduated from high school, instead of further studies in singing and a trip to New York for acting fame, she suddenly became a model. The girl had an ideal figure, exotic appearance and was graceful by nature.
She was noticed by one of the agents who were looking for beauties for the modeling business, who made her an offer that was impossible to refuse. And after successful trials, the girl began her modeling career in the world-famous Ford Models agency.
Working in a professional modeling agency has dramatically changed the life of a girl. New, hitherto unseen prospects opened up before her.
Soon, having signed a new major contract, Imani moved to live in the United States, where she lived for about 7 years. Here she participated in fashion shows and shone on the covers of popular tabloids.
The modeling business is cruel, and the age of popular models had its limit. When Imani realized that her term was approaching, she returned to her homeland in France to re-engage in her vocal talent.
Imany's career in music
The singer moved to Paris and took the stage name Imany. Of the many original options, she left this one, since it is translated from the Swahili language as “faith”.
To practice and develop her voice, the aspiring singer gave concerts in small cafes and clubs in Paris. She performed popular and well-known songs with compositions composed by herself.
Having gained enough experience, Imani set about creating her first full-length album. Moreover, by this time she had accumulated enough song material to record a disc.
The singer's first record was released in 2011 and was called The Shape of a Broken Heart, which was recorded in the soul style. Critics noted Imani's sensual style of performance and her natural charm.
The singer immediately had a sea of fans who appreciated her musical talent. The album received various prizes and awards. So, in France and Greece, it became platinum, and in Poland it was awarded this status three times!
The composition You Will Never Know enjoyed the greatest success. With various arrangements, this song was played by most popular radio stations.
In the future, the track took top positions in the world's major music charts. It was often included in clubs, at parties, and the performer was very popular.
Despite the fact that many years have passed since the creation of the song, it is still on the playlists and music charts. Almost as popular was another song by the singer The Good The Bad & The Crazy.
It is these two songs that are a kind of visiting card of Imani. Thanks to them, she won the widest audience around the world and reached a new level in her musical career.
Considering French as her native, the singer continues to sing in it. And even its official website is created in this language.
Outside of music and modeling career
The performer tries not to advertise her personal life and keeps all her relationships a secret. She believes that an opinion about her should be expressed based on her work, and not on the basis of romance novels and gossip.
In addition, due to the busy, minute-by-minute schedule, Imani simply does not have enough time and energy for romance. The singer manages to live simultaneously in France and the USA, as well as travel around the world with concerts.
As Imani says, she never wanted to become famous. Just one day I realized that music is the most important thing that you should devote your life to.
Not stopping there, the performer composes new wonderful songs, records records and actively tours.
