Next Wave: Jelani Imani

Jelani Imani is where blunt honesty meets boundless creativity. This February, as Black History Month calls us to honor the past while envisioning the future, Jelani’s artistry stands as a reminder of the power of Black art, self-discovery, and truth.

“I make honest, layered music, while avoiding genre traps or limits,” Jelani shares about his music. “My community is filled with fun-loving intellectuals—arts people, theater kid vibes even. It’s an open-minded space for those who want to live in a world through art.”

At just 25 years old, Jelani’s journey is a masterclass in continued evolution. From creating his first mixtape at age 7 alongside his father to throwing his first show in Atlanta in 2018, he’s consistently used his gifts to foster connection and spark conversations. Jelani credits his influences to legends like Prince, Tupac, Kendrick Lamar, and the Motown golden era for inspiring his commitment to freedom, honesty, and risk-taking.

“I’m an amalgamation of MANY ARTISTS,” he yells.

His 2019 project The Shell and his recent “Only Way” show at 529 exemplify the power of his voice and vision.  Jelani says those two career milestones have shaped him as both an artist and entrepreneur. 

“That project and the experience that came before and after were so life-changing,” Jelani reflects. “My voice was felt by many, and that does wonders for the creative spirit.”

For Jelani, creating Black history means living authentically and doing his best every day. He’s intentional about educating himself on Black history and using his art to represent greatness, both for his community and beyond. He added that he and his friends talk about Black peoples’ conditions and history often and also urge one another to keep spreading the knowledge. 

“I just want to represent greatness to everyone period,” he adds. “Being Black just makes it better.”

Jelani’s approach to art is simple yet profound: “Fail. Fail again and again. Get up and rework the process. Be gracious with yourself and take risks.” 

As the Atlanta artist looks into his bright future, he’s most excited about growing as a musician, specifically leaning into becoming a better guitarist. He’s invested in collaboration and continuing to create art that feels like magic.

In a world of noise, Jelani Imani’s artistry cuts through—an honest, layered testament to the beauty of being unapologetically oneself.

In his own words, to “bigger shows and stuff.” Jelani may share nonchalant and humble answers to his mastery of music, but we know he’s destined to cement his legacy in entertainment history. Up there with the greats he named before, Jelani Imani has already made an influential mark on Black music with his raw talent and love for the art. 

Be sure to support this month’s Next Wave artist Jelani Imani here.