What do you get when you put lightning, luxury and love in a bottle! Shake it up and out comes Imani Vanzap, social media’s number number 1 Auntie. Seemingly dropped to Earth by the angels themselves, Imani began her emergence as the result of 25 years of entertainment industry experience through her nephew, Erik Dillard (Imani’s Creator/Producer/Manager).
Seeing that people’s hearts were growing more weary with each social and global tragedy, Imani felt in her soul that love still mattered and needs a chance to be reborn in. Her mission is to help the world heal and feel again. She started with humble beginnings on Instagram in 2018. With nothing more than a cheap blouse, dollar store jewelry and unfortunate makeup (done by her nephew), the familiar comedic style still managed to spark an immediate audience as she covered pop culture’s hot topics with thought-provoking, spicy, sassy commentary.
From controversies in politics to trap music, Imani intrigued thousands with her wit and range. Through keen social knowledge, precise comedic timing, and heartfelt compassion, she was coined as “the voice of the people”. Imani established and unshakable trust with her audience, so much in fact that people evolved from calling her Imani to Auntie.
In this interview spotlight, I chat with (Auntie) Imani about the single and video for Become, challenges, and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
Where are you from and how do You describe your style of music?
I’m originally from the humble city of Columbus, OH. I grew up in the church which of course gives me Gospel…I was a big 90’s R&B fan…and I have a deep love for House Music. So, however one would name that genre is how I believe my music shines. (Laugh/Smile) But to keep it simple, I would just call myself a soulful house singer.
How did you get here? As in, what inspired or motivated you to take on this journey through music and the music biz?
Well, I remember it was around 2017. America had become vile, political, and divided. Imagine a beautifully restored fabric being ripped right in front of your eyes. Although you know the fabric had a torrid past, time was being put into it to make it beautiful. And somehow in one moment, hate came in and just tore the fabric in half. Well, that describes where I came from. Imani emerged in 2018 as a trumpet declaring peace and love as a response to the swelling hate. Everyone needs to stop and change, including myself. With such a vibrant constant reminder powered by amazing music, I feel like my presence is almost universally tribal to mankind. Humanity needs to change. My message of “Become” which grew a huge fanbase on TikTok does just that. I am having fun putting energy and music into the world. We truly need a change!
How does your latest project compare/contrast with your previous release(s)? Were you setting out to accomplish anything specific, follow a specific theme, or explore different styles of creation?
My voice has been in this Universe in various ways over the course of my life. In the beginning, Gospel of course was the goal. I find out as I kept creating that Gospel was more of an influence rather than an intention. The greatest part of the Gospel is love! That’s what I choose to represent in the world. With that said, I’ve gone from America to Japan, then Atlanta to now New York. At this point in my musical career, it is about finding the sound of the people. What is the mood of the times? House music seems to be popular now, which is great, but there is also an under beat in house music. There is a sound that triggers history and healing. If we can reckon both of those elements together over a hot house beat, baby….WE GOT A WINNER!!!!!!!!
Name the biggest challenge you faced as a creative during these unprecedented? How did you adapt? How have you kept the creative fires burning during all this?
The biggest challenge I and my nephew, Erik Dillard face, (he’s responsible for helping me get this far. Love you baby!) Sorry, back on topic…the biggest challence is always having to find a way to reinvent yourself. While one is on the course to their dream, you end up finding out that there is no specific place you want to be. Yes, we would all like to be more financially free, more affluent in the places we want access, but you’ll still have problems to solve, even when you get “there”. Embracing the fact that one should always be open to crafting the life that they want is the greatest challenge. Once you accept that challenge and embrace the fear it brings, you’ll end up soaring like an Eagle in mid air. That’s how I feel right now…like an Eagle who’s finally found their sweet spot. Now I’m gliding on air.
What do you stand for?
I stand for love. I stand for peace. I stand for unity. But far greater than all of these, I stand for inner change. The world is in this destructive state because in America, we’ve created a hustle culture that thrives on greed. When greed is the driving force, laws of oppression are made, restrictions arise in areas where there should be freedom, chaos crushes peace. Well, baby….I am Imani Vanzap, and I’m not havin’ it! I am a chain breaker and a demon slayer. Wherever there are people who feel low and think they have no hope, I come in like a Miley Cyrus wrecking ball and bust up all fear and doubt. I love to say I’m a reminder more than a revelation. I’m just here to remind you of the greatness you already have inside of you. Miserable adults forced you to lock your true self away. I’m giving you the key. Now it’s your job to find the lock and free yourself…from the inside. Become!
What was the last song you listened to? Does that artist influence you in any way?
I do livestreams on TikTok on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays nights from 7:00pm until 11:00pm. There is a song I play almost every night called “Love Will Know” by Lisa Fisher, the Louis Vega mix. There’s something magical about the song’s ending vamp when she continually says “Growing strongerrrrrr!” You have to do that to yourself, ya know? You have to create mantras to keep you on path. Remind yourself of your greatness at all times. I listen to the song because it propels me into the ultra bright spectrums of my feminity. A soft, but powerful presence is what’s going to heal this world. I believe this song helps me to amplify that!
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? 8-tracks? Cassettes? CDs? MP3s? Streaming platforms?
It’s a toss up! Wow! The only one I did not buy “new” were 8-tracks. Every other one you mentioned are all part of my music experience. In fact, I have to say that MP3 is probably my least favorite while simultaneously being the most accessible. There was something about the physical handling of entertainment back in the day that made people take pride in representing their favorite artists. I remember reading liner notes and being so impressed and giddy as I learned who all worked on my favorite songs to listen to. That style of documentation and work-recognition is fading because music is so easily accessible now. You an click a button and make a track. You can click a button and you buy it on your cell phone. Enter capitalism and that’s the way today’s music industry is somewhat hanging on a thread. We need substance again. Physical media helped up to appreciate that substance of music and not simply its style.
What does music mean to you?
It is the one thing that draws us together. You can have two people who are complete enemies, but once thing that can calm them both is sharing the same favorite song. Even more than food, and God loves I LOVE food, haha! But food comes and goes. Music is forever. From Beethoven to Beyonce, there are songs that will rapture our hearts for the rest of our lives; and our childrens’ lives. This is why the creation of music is so sacred. It takes time to tell a story…a story that you want people to actually remember and not just profit off of. Music is the best storyteller because it taps on the heart, the most fragile, tender place in all of us.
Where is the best place to connect with you and follow your journey? (Include your links)
I am on all social media. I’m not dropitmama2022 or anything like that. HAHA! You can just put @imanivanzap on all social media handles and you will find me. Also please visit my website imanivanzap.com – I sell a host of amazing empowerment products there. We truly welcome your love and support.
Anything else you wish to include, add or say?
I just want to thank you for this space to share my voice. In such a quick entertainment world, people are often reduced to soundbytes and memes. I appreciate the time to speak at length and hopefully it will cause you all to come see about me. I am Imani Vanzap, the world’s Auntie and Queen of Zappienation, the most positive place on the internet. Come kick it with me, you won’t regret it.
