1. Article draft:
How does it feel being The Hype’s brand new for 2013 winner?
I.M.A.N: [giggles and then sighs] it feels amazing. I’ve always loved The Hype – it’s one of those magazines
that I’ve always read. EVERYONE read The Hype on my estate, I think it was on a small list that people read
(because most people did not want to read anyway) but The Hype was just a cultural exception to that. And now
being the winner it definitely feels like one of the dreams that I’ve accomplished.
Rage: So how would you describe your sound in a nutshell because you get called labelled so many different
things, so I want to hear what you describe your sound as?
I.MAN: Errr… I think that’s hard because I want to say R&B / pop but as a music lover myself, because you
want to portray every single sound that’s possible without it looking like the album was made over a lunch
period! I also think people are a bit unsure when it comes to my sound. To be honest I don’t mind what I’m
labelled as long as there’s no comparison. I hate when artists are compared to one another. Like Eminem and
Professor Green. In the past couple of months I’ve been compared to artists that I personally would never
compare myself to. Did I just get off topic? [Laughs] yeah the album’s mostly r&b, pop, jazz and a touch of
grime – to pay tribute to my childhood.
Rage: Well….I think you just interviewed yourself there? [Giggles] but how did you get started in music?
Where’d you get the ambition from?
I.MA.N: I’ve always been watching my sister sing and watch her achieve her dream. But there was one
particular moment when I knew I wanted to be a singer. I was around 8 years old and my sister was performing
at a benefit put on to raise money for the homeless. And she was singing a ballad. And there everyone was
weeping. It sounded so angelic it was unbelievable. Weeks later she was invited back to see how much money
they had raised and she handed it to one of the people that lived in the shelter that was getting the money and he
said “you’ve made me so happy”. It was from that moment I knew I wanted to sing. When I knew that with
doing what a singer does, you could make someone happy. You can give someone else joy. And I think that’s
the sole reason why I started to perform.
Rage: speaking of your sister how is she?
I.M.AN: She’s good she’s just taking time to rest up from tour.
Rage: I saw when she performed at the 02. Does it not worry that whatever you do will always be compared to
what your sister does?
I.M.A.N: I suppose so. But with my sister it’s nothing more than sibling rivalry. Which we have fun with.
Because as artists – we’re completely different. And she’s more of a performer, and I like writing and producing
my own music. But no, we never take the comparisons to heart. Because the media always like to portray
siblings in two different lights. One sibling is always made to look like an angel and one is always off the rails.
But yeah I genuinely am a fan of my sister’s work – especially her new album; I’m in love with her voice and
the way that it sounds on her new album.
We want know what you plan on doing in 2013? I heard there’s talks of a tour?
I.M.AN: Yeah well of course there’s my new debut album which people can buy or download – whatever way
they want to get it, just want to make sure that they get it. A tour? I think it’s too early in my career to do a tour.

2. To be honest I want to make sure that home my craft of singing before I move onto other elements like
performing because I feel that artists nowadays are always looking for the quick money and the one hit. Because
artists before use to do tours as a form of celebration of the album’s success. Where as now a tour is a method of
promotion rather than the celebration. However I think that I might do a couple of open mic nights – purely
because I think that it would be fun to visit my hometown after the whirlwind 6 months I’ve experienced. Yeah
why not? I’ll go do some open mic nights! It’ll be fun! You wanna join?
Rage: [laughs] I think I’ll leave the singing to you
I.M.A.N: Why? Is someone uncomfortable with a large crowd?
Rage: no I just think that my shower voice should stay where it belongs! Drowned out by the sound of my
shower.
So we got some twitter questions here for you to answer. Be prepared as I think you’ll be a bit…lost for words
I.M.A.N: OK I’m ready fire them at me!
Rage: ok so our first question comes from @i_kiah and she asked “if you weren’t a singer what profession
would you see yourself doing?”
I.M.A.N: that’s a tough one. I think I’d see myself being a lawyer?
Rage: A lawyer?
I.M.A.N: Yeah a lawyer. I think partly the reason for me being a singer is that I am able to voice the voices of
people who often may not be heard in society.
Rage: that’s pretty righteous of you. Our next question comes from our friends at @chartshowtv and they
wanted to know what’s the weirdest thing you’ve done?
I.M.AN: well I’ve done a lot of strange things over the years. I’ve been stranded at Amsterdam’s Red Light
District. That in itself is a story entirely. I’ve been to India and ridden an elephant. But I think the weirdest thing
I’ve ever done is pet a lion. I was so scared and I remember hearing that they can smell fear – so naturally I got
even more scared – but when I did pet it, it was so sweet and furry. It reminded me of my cat. So yeah I think
definitely petting a lion.
Rage: Daredevil much? Ok so @Nostalgic85wanted to know growing up who did you think was an inspiration
and played a part into the making of your sound today?
I.M.A.N: Sooooo many people.Aaliyah for starters, Destiny’s child, Missy Elliot, Ciara, Tina Turner, Marvin
Gaye, The Clash, The Who, La Roux. A broad range of artists really. And I wanted to make sure that I pay
homage to inspirations.
Rage: @heyimalexwbu asked if you had one superpower what would it be and why?
I.M.AN: Easy. The ability to make clones of myself because I’ve never had a twin and I always wished I had a
twin. Plus it allows you to be in more than one place.

3. Rage: @itrage95 (no relation) asked what advice would you pass on to a someone who is trying to get started
within the music industry?
I.M.A.N: Find a sound and stick to it because so many people will try and tell you that they need to find your
sound and make you somewhat marketable. Image is not everything but it does play a part so make sure your
image reflects your sound otherwise it will be very hard for people to understand your artistry.