London’s Imen Siar Empowers Her Fans With New Single: Glitter and Gold

23-year-old newcomer Imen Siar showcased a world-class vocal and the personality to match with her debut single “Lonely People,” earning tastemaker acclaim in the UK, increasing radio support in the US, and an appearance on Italian TV.

With “Lonely People,” Imen demonstrated that she’s truly one of a kind – and this was all achieved on off-days from her job working as a waitress at Nando’s in London. Now, Imen’s burgeoning reputation will step up a gear as she releases her second single “Glitter and Gold” today on icons and giants, as well as its official video.

The opening lyric of “Glitter and Gold” sees Imen stating that she has been “underestimated from day one,” and that candid bravery is at the heart of the song. Imen takes on her previous outsider status, but more importantly is acutely determined not to be defined by it, as she forges ahead to a brighter future. And there’s no disputing her rising status when you hear that voice: equal measures of spirited soul and pop poise stirred into a message that overflows with the precious power of positive thinking. Simply: if you’ve ever felt like you don’t belong, “Glitter and Gold” is an anthem that can inspire anyone’s personal “glow up” and self-belief.

Imen says, “‘Glitter and Gold’ was my first attempt at songwriting, and I wanted it to reflect my journey, how my view on life itself has changed, and how it’s made me the confident person I am today. “‘Turning it all to glitter and gold, I’mma be going” is my favorite line in the song. Growing up, I was heavily bullied and I made the decision at a young age to try to put a positive spin on the negative moments in my life. I wanted my lyrics to empower listeners to be able to do the same, without fear.”

Imen co-wrote “Glitter and Gold” with the song’s producers, rising hitmaker Jackson Hoffman and the Grammy-nominated icons and giants co-founder Billy Mann (P!nk, Take That, John Legend).

The joy and self-empowerment that “Glitter and Gold” conveys comes across just as powerfully in its music video. Imen is clearly euphoric just as soon as she sings “I’m turning it all into glitter and gold” and that provides irresistible energy. The video’s playful vibe is further amplified by placing Imen in the context of a photoshoot and styling session, a tone that’s also elevated with guest appearances from social media stars Alec Chambers, Jony Sios, and Attis.

A major aspect of Imen’s star quality comes from her distinctive background. Born in Italy to a family of Moroccan heritage, she moved to England as a child. Her dreams of becoming a singer were at odds with her Muslim family, especially her father, an Imam at their local mosque. But Imen stayed true to herself, her family, and her religion by exploring topics and presenting an image that didn’t compromise those inner beliefs.

While she is inspired by artists such as Lewis Capaldi, Alessia Cara, Faouzia, and Jessie J, Imen realized that no major artists looked or sounded like she did. She vowed to show the world who she really is, not only for her own principles but to inspire others. Her talent was discovered only when she started posting videos of herself singing into a mop during downtime as a waitress at Nando’s.

Her breakthrough moments soon followed. She debuted on the Arabic remix of David Guetta’s “Family” alongside Ty Dolla $ign and A Boogie wit da Hoodie and then dropped her solo debut “Lonely People” – a song that she released in three different languages. Onwards and upwards, Imen is now on course for much bigger things.