Created in partnership with Mentos 

Imani-J is emerging as a name to watch in Aotearoa New Zealand’s new generation of R&B talent.

The Haitian-Kiwi singer-songwriter brings together R&B and Afrofusion, pairing candid songwriting with an energetic sound built for the stage. Originally from Nelson and now based in Auckland, she’s already begun making an impact well beyond her hometown.

Among her recent successes is “talk is cheap”, a collaboration with Bam Marley that debuted at No. 2 on the Aotearoa Hot Charts and went on to crack the NZ Top 40 and Top 10 Airplay Charts. She’s followed that up with her latest release, “parasite”, written during a songwriting trip to London that finds her cutting the dead weight and refusing to keep the peace for someone else’s sake.

On stage, Imani-J has been building an equally impressive résumé, with appearances at Jim Beam Homegrown, CubaDupa and the NZ On Air Emerging Artist Showcase among a growing list of live performances. Her music has also found an audience overseas, picking up playlist and radio support across the US, UK and Europe.

The Mentos Fresh Sounds Class of ’26, curated by Rolling Stone AU/NZ, has officially been unveiled — and now we’re turning the spotlight to even more artists making serious noise. As part of our Up-And-Coming Aotearoa New Zealand Artists series, we caught up with Imani-J to discuss her sound, the artists who inspire her, her ambitions to take her music international, and what’s coming next.

Rolling Stone AU/NZ: Where are you from?

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Imani-J: I’m Haitian-Kiwi born and raised in Nelson. I loved growing up there, but I recently packed up and moved to Auckland because I wanted to throw myself completely into the music industry and Auckland is where it’s at.

Describe your ‘Fresh Sound’ in three words.

I’d say, visionary, bold and unapologetic.

Name three of your biggest musical influences.

I like to think my sound is unique to me, but you can definitely hear traces of the artists I love. If I had to pick my top three musical influences I’d say one would be SZA, her lyricism is so clever and candid and I find that really inspiring. Also Aamarae her music is so punchy and unforgettable, which is exactly what I want people to take away from my tracks. And, I would have to say Michael Jackson. MJ’s music has always been groundbreaking and ultimately what I’m striving for.

Tell us about your latest release.

My latest release might be one of my favourite tracks I’ve written. Its called “Parasite” and I wrote it while I was in London on a writing trip. It’s about reaching that tipping point where you choose to stop keeping the peace, cut the dead weight and say exactly what needs to be said without an apology.

If you could collaborate with any artist, who would it be?

If I could collaborate with any artist it would be Doja Cat. I feel like she is an artist in the truest sense of the word, she’s not just about being commercial her focus is making great art. And we could make some crazy art together!

What’s your dream venue to play?

My dream venue to play would be the main stage at Afro Nation. Performing on that stage isn’t just about the massive audience, it’s about having the ultimate platform to celebrate my culture and connect with a global community that deeply understands the roots of my music.

What one thing do you think of the Australian/New Zealand music industry needs right now and why?

The one thing I think the Australian and New Zealand music industry needs right now is more room for genres like R&B and Afro in the mainstream. It would be great to have more adventurous curation from radio, festivals, and major playlists. People are genuinely hungry for these sounds, they just haven’t had enough exposure to them.

What’s coming up for you in 2026 and beyond?

I have so many big things lined up for the rest of 2026 and beyond, including some exciting unannounced summer festival slots, the release of lots of new music and a US songwriting trip. A big goal for 2027 is showcasing in NZ and internationally, and getting an opening slot for an international artist.

A Rolling Stone AU/NZ-backed music launchpad, the inaugural Mentos Fresh Sounds Class of ’26 was created to support the next generation of talent. Head to the Mentos Fresh Sounds Hub to learn more about our official Class of ’26.