If you’re heading to The Dinah this year, get ready for an absolute treat because Iniko is gracing the stage and we were lucky enough to conduct an exclusive interview with this incredibly inspiring artist on what they have in store. Iniko isn’t just any performer – with a voice that wraps around your soul and lyrics that make you feel seen, Iniko is one of those rare artists who can transport you to another dimension with just a few notes. They blend genres like R&B, pop, and alternative sounds with a sprinkle of cosmic magic, creating music that’s as deep as it is catchy. You may recall a viral TikTok hit from Iniko called Jericho, or their hugely popular track – The King’s Affirmation.
Interview with Iniko
Your sound is so unique, blending elements of different genres. What and who have been your biggest creative influences?
My biggest inspirations are film soundtracks, Celtic music, African music, frequencies. A couple of artists that have inspired my sound include Michael Jackson, Hayley Williams, My Chemical Romance, and some gospel artists like Cece Winans, Yolanda Adam’s, Aurora, Florence + the Machine, Mumford & Sons, and Queen…the list is quite extensive haha . Oh, also Migos, Nicki Minaj, lots of old soul music like Luther Vandross, and also theatre music lol.
Have you ever experienced imposter syndrome before?
Oh yeah every day.
Who are your favourite black queer artists at the moment?
Janelle Monae, Victoria Monet, Tanerelle Durand Bernarr.
We were thrilled to hear you’ll be at The Dinah this year, and we’re looking forward to your performance. Talk us through why it’s important to be a part of a queer festival, and what can fans expect?
It’s important to see people who are like you being their most authentic selves, expressing themselves through whichever form they choose. Expect to hear new music off my upcoming debut album.
What role do you see your music playing in empowering or giving voices to Black queer experiences?
I think my role is to be a catalyst for change within a society that wasn’t built with us in mind.
As a Black and queer artist, you’ve carved out a unique space for self-expression. What advice would you give to other aspiring artists, especially those from marginalized backgrounds, on finding their voice?
There’s always gonna be someone that disposes what you do, who you are, and what you stand for. But for every person that hates it there are 10 who need it. Keep going despite the fear.
If there was a magic telephone that you could call yourself when you were 15, what advice would you give?
There’s nothing wrong with you, you’re just neurodivergent.
Tell us one thing that people might be surprised to learn about you?
I have been lonely all my life!
Lastly, what’s next for Iniko?
I’d like to find community. So I’m going to try to do things that have always scared me like…talk to people.
Looking forward to seeing you in Palm Springs,
Team Nonchalant x
This article was written by one of our creative team writers here at Nonchalant Magazine.
