Ismail Izzani explores new musical depths with “Iman”
KUALA LUMPUR: Ismail Izzani has been on a continuous journey of musical experimentation. At just 24, this versatile songwriter and actor has dabbled in pop, R&B, rap, and hip-hop, always striving to present a unique sound.
The Selangor native shares that his latest release, “Iman,” holds significant personal meaning and showcases a different tone from his prior work.
“This song carries a hidden message that listeners can interpret in their own way. I believe many will find it relatable to their experiences,” he explained. “We’ve all experienced deep love and sought to better ourselves after past mistakes.”
On the surface, the song narrates the story of a woman named Iman who captures a young man’s heart. However, Ismail emphasizes a deeper significance, hoping listeners appreciate the fusion of Malay melodies and Afro beats that define the track’s sound.
He admitted that it took him some time to warm up to the contemporary feel of the song. “The creation process was lengthy. Initially, I was unsure about performing it after hearing the demo. But as I listened repeatedly and explored the melody, my excitement grew. I felt it had a refreshing vibe,” Ismail remarked, noting that he incorporated special dance choreography into the music video.
The lyrics for “Iman” were penned by Joe Flizzow, with the track composed by Joe, SonaOne, Alexander Oghenetejiri Anidi, and DeeKid. The fresh-faced artist, whose full name is Ismail Izzani Zainal Nazeri, is signed to Def Jam Malaysia and is currently working on material for future releases.
“The recording process was enjoyable, with Joe and SonaOne offering valuable guidance. This song posed one of my biggest challenges yet. I have many more songs I’d like to release, but for now, I want to explore various musical styles, including the genre featured in ‘Iman’ and beyond,” said Ismail, son of 1980s veteran singer Suliza Salam.
“Iman” is available for streaming on digital platforms, and its music video can be found exclusively on Ismail Izzani’s official YouTube channel.