As the holiday season approaches, we sit down with IaNi, the innovative musical duo known for their unique blend of rap, jazz, and soulful rhythms, to discuss their festive new single, “Our Favorite Things.” Comprised of Knowledge and Wisdom, the duo draws from their deep life experiences to craft music that celebrates unity, love, and reflection.
In this special release, IaNi brings a fresh twist to holiday classics, offering an infectious mix of joy and thoughtfulness that reminds us of the deeper meaning of the season. From their creative process to the message of hope and renewal in the song, we explore how “Our Favorite Things” aims to bring peace, joy, and unity to listeners during this festive time of year.
Can you share the origin of your group name, IaNi, and how it reflects your artistic vision? Also, as Knowledge and Wisdom, your stage names convey a powerful message. What do these names represent to you, and how do they reflect the values you bring to your music?
The group name IaNi (I and I) means ‘WE’, which we define as one love, one people, one thought, one peace, and one life unified together as an equal. The names knowledge and wisdom come from the characteristics we have developed over the years through life lessons, learning, and growing along the way. Knowledge is a full-time student of life and everything in it, and wisdom compliments him with insight, ideas, and strategies. What we have both learned and applied to our life lessons comes through our music.
Tell us about your background—who are the artists behind IaNi, and what experiences have shaped your musical journey?
We are two people who share an interest in music on different levels. Knowledge is a writer, composer, and producer with an artistic flair for singing and rapping. These things have helped shape his musical journey through life. Wisdom’s musical journey started at an early age with her first encounter and infatuation with the steel drum instrument. She later progressed into singing, inspirational poetry, and songwriting.
What inspired the creation of “Our Favorite Things”? Could you share any specific moments or memories that influenced the song’s joyful and festive theme?
Writing this song caused us to make a last-minute inspirational movement, which changed our original plans of releasing an EP. To do our first holiday song sparked our love we have for the Christmas season, and having the anticipation of the season created the thoughts that we were able to put on paper.
Is there a particular line or verse in “Our Favorite Things” that holds special meaning for you? Why does it resonate with you?
The last part of the song “Tis that season, find your reason” was the challenge of the whole arrangement. It was the hardest part to implement. Originally, that part of the song was much longer and had a different delivery, but with the last-minute changes and edits, we were happy with the outcome.
You recorded the track in London and had it mixed and mastered in Atlanta. What was it like working with such a diverse team?
All the work was first done by ourselves; recording the track, arrangement, lyrics, edits, etc. Then we worked with Luther Banks at Patchwerk Recording studios. He was very skilled and knew exactly what we wanted. He was able to bring the track to life and enhance what we had brought to the table. Kenny Mix mastered the track efficiently.
Holiday music can be very personal for listeners. How do you hope “Our Favorite Things” will connect with people during their own celebrations?
We hope that it will highlight the morals and qualities that bring forgiveness, peace, love, joy, unity, lost love and restoration of broken homes and families, and newness in everyone’s life for the season to those who have nothing to look forward to; and cause people to feel a warmth, embrace a joyful vision, and rekindle good memories, and remember that Christmas is not just about the pressure of buying presents.
IaNi’s music is known for bringing messages of peace and joy. What do you feel is the role of holiday music in spreading those messages, especially during these times?
The role of holiday music is to take a break from the realities of the stress or business that everyday life can bring and transition people into a mental space of inner peace and reflection. Also, the aim is to shift the trajectories of many circumstances, situations, and conditions to embrace core values that can be easily swept away by the different challenges, whatever they may be.
Beyond holiday music, what else can fans expect from IaNi in the coming year? Do you have any upcoming projects or collaborations that you’re excited about?
We are currently working on our new album titled “Our Own World,” which extends our food for thought.
For many artists, the holiday season offers a chance to reflect. What are some of the “favorite things” you personally look forward to each holiday season?
Apart from the message we’re conveying in this song, we look forward to the simplicities of cooking great food, entertaining family, and enjoying the holiday that comes only once a year.
What genres or cultural influences are most present in “Our Favorite Things,” and why did you choose them for this track?
The music had a new and different twist from the traditional sound that we all love. Using the combination of rap, jazz, and soulful elements, it created an innovative addition to enjoyable Christmas music.
