Imany

Biography

Nadia Mladjao, known by her stage name Imany, is a French singer-songwriter of Comorian descent, born on April 5, 1979, in Martigues, France. Her stage name means "faith" in Swahili. Before her music career, she was a successful high jump athlete and later a model for Ford Models Europe, spending seven years in the United States. Feeling unfulfilled with modeling, she returned to Paris to pursue her passion for music.

Music Career

Imany began her singing career in 2008, performing in various Parisian clubs. Her music is a blend of soul, folk, and blues, inspired by artists like Billie Holiday, Nina Simone, and Tracy Chapman. She released her first EP, "Acoustic Sessions," in late 2010. Her debut album, "The Shape of a Broken Heart," was released in 2011 and achieved significant success, reaching platinum status in France, Greece, and triple platinum in Poland. The album featured the hit single "You Will Never Know."

International Breakthrough

Imany gained widespread international recognition with the 2015 remix of her song "Don't Be So Shy" by the Russian DJ duo Filatov & Karas. The remix became a massive hit across Europe, topping charts in several countries. This version was later included on her second studio album, "The Wrong Kind of War," released in 2016. This album also proved successful, solidifying her status as a prominent artist.

Recent Work

After a break from extensive touring, Imany returned with a new project called "Voodoo Cello." This project features her voice accompanied by eight cellos, reinterpreting pop and rock classics. The album "Voodoo Cello" was released in 2021. Beyond her music, Imany is also an ambassador for the ENDOmind association, raising awareness about endometriosis.