Miss Diaspora Africa International Pageant

Singer, Songwriter, and Harlem native Imani Gooden has always been a natural.  At the tender age of 5, her parents discovered that she had a love for music. By the age of 15, Imani had already written 10 songs, and was becoming a gifted pianist. While studying at Washington Irving High School, a school for musically gifted and artistic youth, Ms. Gooden continued to display impressive vocal ability, as well as a knack for musical instruments. Recently, learning to play the guitar has expanded her musical genre and has made her a more versatile artist.

Growing up in New York City, life for Imani has not always been easy. Many times she has faced life changing milestones and overwhelming odds. However, instead of letting these experiences consume her, Imani channeled these emotions into her music, creating her own individual sound and style. "Music is like a story, it should reflect one’s life, emotions, and experience."

Imani has performed at many venues across New York City including Billie's Black Lounge, The Tea Lounge, The Hip-Hop Center, Club Downtime, and The Westside YMCA.  In 2010, Imani’s hard work came to fruition when she was given an opportunity to record for a Sear’s commercial. The song, “Many Sides” is currently downloadable on the Sear’s website.  A few of Imani’s most recent collaborations include “Mr RNB” Venor Yard, and Brooklyn Lyricist Laquan ‘Luce’ Toure. Currently, Imani is expanding her talents to theatre by playing the role ‘Sandy’, a television producer, in the off Broadway play “The Michales Are Out of Control!” (Directed by Theresa Bastien). Most recently, she has been a featued artist at Brooklyn's upscale restaurant /lounge Milk River and the Kinamn Lounge. She has also been a featured model in Nady Delarosa's publication entitled "Bold", which speaks of a young African Princess Amaka and her journey to self love.Imani is a multi-faceted artist and her time is rapidly approaching. Her impact on the entertainment industry will be phenomenal!