From the vibrant streets of Queensbridge, Ilham’s musical journey began with childhood dreams of being a singer. As a young girl, she sang along to the voices of Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston, but it wasn’t until she discovered Aaliyah at age 7 that her sound started to take shape. Ilham found inspiration in Aaliyah’s delicate yet powerful voice and soon blended influences from pop icons like Mya, Ashanti, and Ellie Goulding.
Today, ilham’s music blends alt-R&B with raw emotion, drawing from her life, Moroccan roots, and the stories of those closest to her. With a heart that feels deeply (she is a Cancer, after all), her sound channels both personal experiences and the energy of the world around her. In this interview, she opens up about her creative process, the power of empathy, and how she’s crafted a voice that’s entirely her own.
Her latest single, “Roster,” was born out of heartbreak—a way to process pain without being weighed down by it. ilham describes it as a moment of escape, a breath through the hurt. Vulnerable yet soothing, “Roster” offers comfort to anyone in the thick of tough emotions, wrapping listeners in a sound that feels like a warm embrace.
“Empathy is my superpower”—ilham
PV: Your sound is so unique, blending alt R&B with various influences. How did you find your voice, and what has shaped your musical style the most?
ilham: As a kid, I always knew I wanted to be a singer, but I had no idea how to make it happen. I’d sing and hum around the house, but I was frustrated because I wanted to sound like Mariah Carey or Whitney Houston — those were my first big influences. Then, at 7, I discovered Aaliyah, and it was pretty much over for everyone (lol).
I started mimicking her voice and realized that girls with delicate, silky, light yet powerful voices could exist too. From there, I dove into Mya, Ashanti, Britney Spears, and Ellie Goulding. That’s when I began to find my own sound.
The Evolution of R&B
PV: Being an artist means constantly evolving. How do you keep your creativity fresh, and what can fans expect next from you musically?
ilham: I’m still in the real world, so I haven’t lost my sense of self. My creativity stays fresh because I’m still going through everyday struggles, lessons, and wins — just like any other human. As for what fans can expect next — happy, upbeat, world music. None of that sad, vibey stuff I normally gravitate toward. They can expect music that makes them feel free and allows them to escape their reality.
PV: Alt-R&B often pushes boundaries, blending genres and vibes. Are there any other genres or sounds you’d love to explore in your future projects?
ilham: I’d love to incorporate Moroccan music composition elements into my sound — just a little dash of it. One of my goals is to collaborate with a Moroccan artist and possibly sing in Darija. That would eat!
PV: You’re clearly a storyteller in your music. If you could soundtrack one part of your life with a song, what would it be and why?
ilham: Definitely “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus — it’s my soundtrack for sure. But at the same time, the title of 50 Cent’s “Get Rich or Die Tryin’” represents me. I’ve always had that mentality, because one thing I’m gonna do is get rich or die trying. My whole life has been about survival, and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t still in that space. My environment has shaped my mindset, but hopefully soon, when I finally taste the fruits of my labor, my soundtrack will shift to something happier.
Carving Out Her Own Lane.
PV: You’re in the midst of building your career. What’s been one of your most memorable moments so far, and what do you look forward to next?
ilham: One of the most memorable moments was when Simone Biles listened to my track “Uhm…ok?” during her GRWM (Get Ready With Me) for the 2024 Paris Olympics. I had been praying for a sign from God that I was on the right path, and then I hopped on Twitter to find a bunch of my fans tagging me in her video. I cried. As for what I look forward to next — it’s growth. I want to take this as far as I possibly can.
Love To Morocco.
PV: How do you balance the pressure of the industry with staying true to yourself?
ilham: I wouldn’t say I feel pressure from the industry, but I definitely feel pressure within myself. I have this urgency and deep desire to move my family out of the projects. They immigrated from North Africa to give us a better life, but in reality, life wasn’t sweet at all. As for balancing the self-pressure — I’m still trying to figure that out.
PV: In an era where music is so accessible, what do you think sets you apart from other artists in the alt R&B space, and how do you want to continue to stand out?
ilham: What sets me apart is my voice, my background, and my story. There’s a real gap in representation for North African R&B/pop artists, especially those who come from the projects — I want to be that voice. I’ve never seen someone with my exact experience reflected in the industry, and I hope to be that for someone else. At the end of the day, I stand out by being unapologetically me.
“You Got The Motion By Being Yourself” – ilham
PV: Finally, if you could give one piece of advice to someone who’s just starting in the music industry, what would it be?
ilham: OMG, please — be yourself. Don’t drop anything until you truly know who you are and trust your instincts. No one has all the answers, so don’t let anyone sell you dreams or make you doubt your path. Once you get motion, everyone will have an opinion, and it’ll get confusing fast. But remember, you got here by being you. Take advice with a grain of salt. Not everyone’s intentions are pure — actually, 99% of people in the music industry have ulterior motives.
ilham’s journey from the soulful streets of Queensbridge to becoming a standout voice in the alt-R&B scene is a powerful testament to self-expression and resilience. With every note, she blends her influences, emotions, and life experiences to craft a sound that resonates deeply. As she continues to grow, ilham stays rooted in authenticity, delivering music that’s raw, real, and emotionally charged. Her story is just beginning — and the world is watching to see where her voice takes her next.
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