From glee club to the big stage
Natalie Imani (Credit: Natalie Imani)
At the age of six, Natalie Imani knew she wanted to be a singer. All it took was performing in front of a live audience for the first time to have her future career plan set. In first grade, she was already performing with sixth graders in her school’s glee club.
“That’s when my parents discovered I could sing,” recalled Natalie. “And they began to support and push me since then.”
Natalie’s talent, drive and love for the arts have taken her all over the world and across the U.S. performing her own original music and touring and working as a background vocalist with the world’s top artists such as John Legend, Cardi B, Lauryn Hill and Jazmine Sullivan.
Soon, Natalie will be back on the road performing with John Legend and team as part of the Bigger Love Tour. Natalie was gracious enough to take some time before touring begins to talk more about her career, what it feels like to be back performing in front of live audiences again and the importance of the arts.
All about Natalie:
What artists or mentors have helped you learn and grow in your career?
I've learned a great deal from every artist that I've worked with. As a teenager, DJ Kid Capri started to groom me as a performer and songwriter. He would make me watch James Brown, Al Green and other artists perform in order to learn as much as I could about performing and about being an artist.
I've been singing as a background vocalist for John Legend for about ten years now. I really admire his message of love, his vocal ability, his songwriting, his discipline and the businessman that he is. He's kind and really takes care of his people.
I've been singing with Jazmine Sullivan for over ten years as well. I love her vocal ability, her fearless creativity and the friendship that we've developed over the years. She's so humble and down to earth. She's very honest and relatable and I see a lot of myself in her.
What has been a defining/special moment in your career that you will never forget?
I will never forget singing with Cardi B on Saturday Night Live. I’m a big fan and I was so nervous in rehearsal, but she was so nice and her work ethic was impeccable. She really practices and works hard. It was pretty incredible to witness it firsthand. I think she's the first artist that I’ve worked for where I was really starstruck. It ended up also being her pregnancy reveal performance, so it was awesome to be a part of that special moment.
In your own music, your messages are all centered around love. What do you hope people learn about love through your work?
I hope that people learn that love is not perfect. Love is not exempt from pain. Some of my songs will talk about the beauty and joy that love brings but also the heartache, the need for forgiveness and so much more. Love is vulnerable, honest and fearless. Love is a journey that helps us all understand life a little better. Love is always good and it’s always the right way!
All about Bigger Love:
Why do you think Bigger Love has resonated with so many people from all over the world?
John Legend's Bigger Love album was released during a time when the world truly needed a message of love. It’s such a beautiful project. Songs like "Never Break" encouraged us to be strong during a seemingly powerless time.
How does it feel knowing your voice has inspired, united and provided hope to many during such a challenging time with “Bigger Love” – the title song of the album!?
It feels amazing! This was the first time that I had the opportunity to sing on one of John's albums. To be in the studio with him and Raphael Saadiq was a dream come true. I’m glad that I played a part in sharing such a necessary message of love with John and his audience.
The Bigger Love Tour is almost here! What are you most looking forward to being back on tour?
Yes!!! The Bigger Love Tour is starting soon! I'm looking forward to so many things that I love about touring, like traveling, playing games and music on the tour bus with my bandmates, dancing and singing with the other background vocalists, performing a duet with John Legend, seeing audience reactions to the show and so much more. I'm experiencing so many exciting feelings of happiness, gratitude, and appreciation for getting back to doing what I love.
All about music and the arts:
What are some tips and tricks you have acquired over the years of touring and performing that have kept you healthy mentally and physically?
I work really hard at maintaining my mental and physical health. I think the number one thing that I've learned is how to pay attention to my body and check in with my emotions. I eat healthy (when I’m not eating chocolate chip cookies, lol), exercise, go for yearly checkups, meet with my nutritionist, meet with my therapist and try my best to prioritize my well-being. I'm not perfect but I can honestly say that I try.
What makes being a part of the music and arts industry so special?
Being a part of the music and arts industry is special in a lot of different ways. It's fun, unconventional, creative, unique, and I get to do something that I truly love with a community of like-minded people who understand the lifestyle. You have to be brave and willing to live a lifestyle that’s based on faith because there really is no blueprint. It's a journey that starts in your heart, you depend on it to lead you, and you can trust that it always will. You don't always know the how, when and why of it all, but somehow it all comes together. It's a unique experience that I'm really grateful to be a part of. Its magical!
Catch Natalie back on stage as part of John Legend’s Bigger Love Tour kicking off on Sept. 1. To stay up to date with Natalie’s own music and news, check out her website where you can listen to and download her songs (“Bad Dream” is a great one!) and more.
Photo credits: Natalie Imani