Imani-J Steps Into Her Boldest Era Yet With New Single ‘parasite’
Imani-J Steps Into Her Boldest Era Yet With New Single ‘parasite’
September 18th, 2026
“This song is that tipping point where you stop keeping the peace, cut the dead weight, and say exactly what needs to be said without an apology.” – Imani-J
Haitian-New Zealand artist Imani-J is stepping into a new era with her unapologetic new single ‘parasite‘. With its fearless honesty, ‘parasite’ captures a defining moment of growth, confidence, and self-awareness from an artist unafraid to take up space.
Imani-J has already carved out a powerful presence in both the local and global music community. Her last single ‘me > you‘ premiered on NZ’s mainstream radio station, “It was honestly the coolest feeling hearing my song premiere on the radio,” she says, “and the fact that an Afrobeats song is getting mainstream airplay in NZ feels massive.”
Earlier this year, Imani-J was selected as NZ On Air‘s featured artist, an experience she credits as a real turning point. “I’m so grateful for the support from NZ On Air,” she says. “Being invited to perform at the emerging artists showcase really gave me an opportunity to bring my authenticity, and showcase diversity in my style.”
Asked to sum up the message behind ‘parasite‘, Imani-J doesn’t hesitate, “This song is that tipping point where you stop keeping the peace, cut the dead weight, and say exactly what needs to be said without an apology.”
For Imani-J, songwriting has always been a form of release. “I use songwriting as a way of expressing myself, and this song is a perfect and very clear example of that,” she explains. “Putting your emotions into a song gives you an opportunity to say things you might not otherwise get a chance to say. These lyrics are super candid and oddly specific, but I think that actually makes them more relatable.”
The track was co-written with Dom Valentino and Adrian Dzvuke, a process Imani-J says came together with total ease. “I co-wrote this song with Dom and Adrian and honestly it was so easy to write because we were just saying whatever was on our minds without having to filter or sugarcoat it.”
Sonically, ‘parasite’ marks a shift “This track is more alt R&B,” she says. “I pride myself on the fact that my music is a fusion and I love exploring the different aspects of that.”
It’s been a milestone year for the rising star, “2026 has been such an exciting year and there have been so many big moments,” Imani-J reflects. “One of them definitely being the release of my single ‘talk is cheap’ featuring Bam Marley and the radio play that song received.” Other highlights have included live performances at Jim Beam Homegrown and CubaDupa, as well as her recent announcement as part of the Afrosoul 2027 line-up.
Imani-J’s breakout releases have already gained strong traction locally and internationally, with single and airplay chart debuts in Aotearoa and airplay across the US, UK and Europe. She has been featured by DAZED, Rolling Stone Australia/NZ, Sniffers, among many others.