Imani’s first musical experience came about as keyboard player and main songwriter in Bradford ska/reggae band Spectre, which comprised of his older brothers and schoolmates. They picked up support slots to Lee Scratch Perry, Junior Delgado, Augustus Pablo and Aswad throughout their career, splitting up in the 1990s.
Imani taught music privately throughout the decade, as well as earning a degree in music. At the turn of the millennium, he began gigging again as a solo artist, and briefly re-formed the band of his childhood with his brothers, this time under the name Real Eyez, who during their 18 month stint (2005-2006) played the Bradford Mela and gained a support slot to noted UK jazz trombonist Dennis Rollins.
Imani continues to gig around the country, and works on a number of other projects; since 2004 he has collaborated on and off with children's author and poet Nick Toczek in the duet Two Shaven Heads, showcasing Nick's poetry and Imani's piano playing.
In 2008, Imani has performed live sessions on BBC Radio Humberside (Raw Talent Show) and Sheffield Live Radio, both of which you can check out in his blog. His songs have been played on a variety of shows on BCB radio, from soul programmes to more eclectic playlists, highlighting his broad appeal. The track "ROBOTS' REBELLION" appeared on the Bradford SXSW 2007 Unsigned promo CD,
(see www.chocolatefireguard.com), and will be included on the TruthTrax compilation in October 2008. The 3-track Robots' Rebellion E.P is available to purchase at gigs. His debut album is also scheduled for an October release, watch this space. If you'd like to book Imani for a gig, please contact him via the above email, or at
[email protected] .
Imani Hekima, April '08
Many thanks go out to my friends who've helped my music out in various ways: Special thanks to Jack Eames for his black and white photography featured here. See www.jackeames.com for more of his work. Cheers to Sharon Campbell and Selina Ditta (aka jus1jam) for putting the page together. And of course, hearty thanks to Chris (Soulfunktion Productions) putting it all down in the studio.
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