Imaani facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Imaani Saleem
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Imaani performing at the Dalston Festival Vortex in September 2008
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Melonie Crosdale |
| Also known as | Imaani |
| Born | 1 January 1972 Nottingham, England |
| Occupation(s) | Singer |
| Instruments | Vocals |
| Years active | 1995–present |
| Labels | EMI (1998–99) |
| Associated acts | Tru Faith & Dub Conspiracy, Incognito, The Layabouts, Reel People, Copyright Project |
Imaani Saleem (born Melonie Crosdale on 1 January 1972) is an English singer. She is best known for representing the United Kingdom in the Eurovision Song Contest 1998. Her song "Where Are You" came in second place. It also became a popular song in the UK, the Netherlands, and Belgium.
Even though "Where Are You?" was her only solo hit, she had another top 20 song in 2000. This was with Tru Faith & Dub Conspiracy for their song "Freak Like Me". Imaani has also recorded many songs with the jazz-dance group Incognito. In 2014, she released her first album, Standing Tall.
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Imaani's Music Journey
Imaani's journey into music began after she finished college and moved to London. She met a music producer by chance on a train, and this meeting helped her start her career.
In 1995, she sang on a song called "Easin' My Mind" by FM Inc. The next year, in 1996, she also sang on the album Beneath the Surface by the band Incognito.
Eurovision Song Contest 1998
In 1998, Imaani entered a competition called The Great British Song Contest. This competition chose the song that would represent the UK at the Eurovision Song Contest that year. Her song, "Where Are You", was a big favorite with the British public. It was chosen to represent the UK.
At the Eurovision Song Contest 1998, Imaani did very well. She came in second place, just seven points behind the winner, Dana International.
After her success at Eurovision, "Where Are You?" became a hit song. It reached number 15 on the UK Singles Chart in May 1998. The song stayed in the top 100 for 15 weeks and sold over 250,000 copies. Even with this success, her record company, EMI, decided not to release her next song. They also ended their contract with Imaani in 1999.
After Eurovision Success
In 2000, Imaani sang the main vocals for Tru Faith & Dub Conspiracy's song "Freak Like Me". This song reached number 12 on the UK Singles Chart. After this, Imaani recorded many songs with the jazz-funk band Incognito. She sang on more than 10 of their albums.
Since 2005, Imaani has also performed with a group called the AllStars Collective. In 2006, she sang on a house song called "Bring Me Love" by the Copyright Project. This song became a top 5 hit on the UK Dance Chart.
In 2014, Imaani released her first album, Standing Tall. One of the songs from this album, "Struggling", was featured on a soul music album in 2015.
In 2023, Imaani and the Revival Collective released a new song. It was a cover of "Best of My Love" by the Emotions.
Imaani's Albums and Songs
Albums
- Standing Tall (2014)
Popular Songs
- "Where Are You" (1998)
- "Freak Like Me" (with Tru Faith & Dub Conspiracy) (2000)
- "Bring Me Love" (with Copyright) (2006)
