Iman Fandi’s had a busy year. Hot on the heels of her recent National Day release, she found herself on a plane to L.A., en route to her first-ever international show where she performed alongside global stars like Snoop Dogg. And she’s showing no signs of slowing down — especially not this month, which is when her newest track, IT IS, will be shared with the world. 

It’s a pace that is fitting for someone who freely admits to being an overachiever. “I think I’ve become more ambitious as I’ve gotten older,” says Iman. “As an artist, sometimes I feel like I’m on a timer and there’s so much I want to accomplish and experience… There’s just so much I still want to do, give and show.” Her parents may have called it early, or perhaps call it fate — 26 years ago, they named her Iman, meaning “faith,” so she’d have the faith to do “anything and everything she puts her mind to.” And so she has. Living with the belief that “the real failure in life is not failing itself, but never giving yourself the opportunity to succeed,” the Singaporean star is now stepping out on her own with IT IS, the third instalment from her unfolding Afterglow EP and the latest marker of her chapter as an independent artist.

With her new chapter comes a more self-assured direction, an evolution she’s showcased through her previous releases like Tip Toes and Out Of My Mind. “I’ve slowly learned, with the help of my producers, not to be afraid of saying more. I think that’s when people really get to hear me “spill the tea.” Those moments where I’m more vulnerable are often the ones that resonate with people the most.” Naturally non-confrontational, music has become a vessel for Iman to express herself with confidence. IT IS is perhaps as forthcoming as Iman gets, running with a tongue-in-cheek, if-the-shoe-fits narrative. As Iman puts it: “If you think this song is about you… IT IS!”

Equipped with her instinct for the Total Package — of singing, performing, fashion, stage presence and personality — Iman understands that pop stardom demands more of a pop star, far beyond the music and lyrics. And it shows. You’ll often find the singer in elaborate, glitzy costumes, high-high heels, and glam that never wavers, not even in the 30-something degree heat and humidity of Singapore. It’s a page she’s taken out of the books of her idols, with Rihanna, Beyoncé, Dua Lipa, Zara Larsson and J.Lo among her list of style inspirations. For Iman, this new era is as much visual as it is sonic — bigger looks, a bolder sound and a clearer idea of the pop star she wants to be. Below, Men’s Folio catches up with the singer as she steps into her next act.

Congratulations on IT IS! How does it feel to finally have it out for the world to enjoy?
Releasing a song is always such a great feeling. There’s a lot of work that goes into creating IT IS and all of my songs, so finally putting it out into the world is exciting, nerve-wracking, but also feels like I’m finally revealing the secret I’ve been teasing. This song was especially fun to make, so I can’t wait for people to hear it and watch the music video too.

The past few months have been big for you! How are you planning to celebrate?
Honestly, I don’t think I’ve had much time to properly celebrate just yet because everything has been back-to-back. Right after the National Day Parade, I had the honour of performing at the Istana, and as I’m writing this, I’m actually on a plane to L.A. for my first-ever international show on TikTok LIVE. At the end of the month, I also have two exciting shows for Super24, plus one more that I can’t announce just yet. I’m definitely not complaining though. These are all things I’ve been working towards and waiting for, so I try to celebrate them in the moment.

What’s your routine looking like these days?
My mornings have started earlier and my days end later, so my usual routine can sometimes go out the window because my schedule is pretty unpredictable. I do try to squeeze in at least one horse-riding session and one Pilates session whenever I can in the week. They help me unwind in completely different ways. And when I’m at home, I love playing The Sims 4, that’s probably my ultimate downtime activity.

Don’t take this the wrong way… But would you consider yourself an overachiever?
Definitely, haha. I think I’ve become more ambitious as I’ve gotten older. As an artist, sometimes I feel like I’m on a timer and there’s so much I want to accomplish and experience. I’ve also become a little impatient about wanting to do bigger and more international things, which pushes me to keep challenging myself and taking opportunities that come my way. You never know when one opportunity could completely change your life. That said, I think I’ve a good balance between work and play, and I’ve people around me who remind me to slow down when I need to. There’s just so much I still want to do, give and show.

It could be an earth sign thing — since you’re a May baby. What’s the most Taurus thing about you?
I can definitely be stubborn, but I’m also very independent. Once I have my mind set on something, it’s pretty hard to change it!

Are you big on horoscopes? Or signs from the universe?
I like to believe that things happen for a reason. Whether something turns out good or bad, when I look back, things have always worked out for the better somehow. Whether it was to teach me something, push me further or change my direction. But at the same time, no matter how many signs come your way, it’s ultimately about what you choose to do with them.

Speaking of signs, what was the inspiration behind a song like It Is?
When I released Tip Toes in February 2026, which was about having a crush who wasn’t making a move, I kept getting comments asking if the song was about them or who it was actually about. I found that really funny, so I decided to play with the idea and turn that question into the song itself. And that’s where IT IS came from: “If you think this song is about you… IT IS!”

Afterglow, your upcoming EP, marks another step into your era of independence. Growing up in such a big family, was independence something that came naturally to you? Or was it something you had to learn as you matured?
It was definitely something I had to learn, but also something I was thrown into from a young age. I went to boarding school when I was 12 and started working at 14. I was also travelling from a young age for competitions and work, so I had to learn how to adapt quickly and be comfortable around people who were older than me. All of those experiences forced me to come out of my shell because I can actually be quite shy and quiet. If anything, sometimes I think I’ve become too independent!

You’ve released Tip Toes, Out Of My Mind and now, It Is — as a lead-up to Afterglow. Out of all the songs, which one do you think best represents your next chapter?
I feel like all of them tell a different part of the story of my next chapter. Through creating this EP, I’ve also been able to understand and identify who I am as an artist a lot more.

Afterglow has a recurrent theme of confidence. What makes you feel confident?
Feeling fit, looking good and being prepared. When I know I’ve put in the work and I’m prepared for whatever is coming, I feel the most confident.

And do you have advice for aspiring singers coming out of Singapore?
Go for it and give it everything you’ve got. Show people who you are, both as a person and as an artist. Have an identity and a sound that you’re proud of, and don’t be afraid to shake things up. Singapore has so much talent, so don’t be afraid to think beyond Singapore too.

Once you are done with this story, click here to catch up with our August 2026 issue.