Imen Essrhir, known professionally as Imen Es, brings a fresh voice to French music. Born in Sevran in 1998, she carries the cultural richness of her Moroccan heritage into every performance. Her parents immigrated from Meknès, Morocco, shaping her multicultural perspective.
The artist blends R&B, pop, and traditional raï into a distinctive sound. Her music resonates with emotional honesty, avoiding theatrical flourishes. She grounds each song in real experiences that listeners recognize.
Since 2018, her career has shown steady growth through labels like Universal and Fulgu. Beyond music, she explored football and boxing, bringing that same discipline to her craft. In 2021, she welcomed her son Djibril, adding depth to her personal narrative.
Discovering the Roots of Imen Es
The story of this artist begins not in a recording studio, but on the football pitches and boxing gyms of Sevran. These early years built a foundation of discipline long before music took center stage.
Early Life and Moroccan Heritage
Her identity is deeply shaped by her family’s journey. They immigrated from Meknès, Morocco, bringing their rich culture to the Parisian suburb.
This heritage subtly colors her sound. It connects her to a tradition of emotional storytelling.
Growing up in Sevran meant navigating a world where different cultures met. It was a place full of real stories waiting for a voice.
From Sevran and Sporting Beginnings to Music
Football and boxing taught her resilience and how to fight for a goal. She carried that competitive spirit into her creative work.
The transition felt natural. Both arenas demand dedication and the courage to perform.
She started sharing videos online. This led to a pivotal connection.
French rapper Abou Debeing saw her potential. He became her producer and mentor, guiding her into the professional scene.
Their first collaboration, “Mes défauts,” dropped in 2018. It introduced her authentic voice to a wider audience. This early work set the stage for her debut album, where her personal history and ambition would fully converge in “Nos vies.”
Charting the Musical Rise
The journey from promising newcomer to chart-topping artist was defined by two key elements: breakout singles and key partnerships. This period solidified her place in the French music scene.
Breakthrough Singles and Debut Album “Nos vies”
Her first major solo statement arrived in 2018. The track “Attentat” earned Platinum certification, its urgency connecting with a wide audience.
This success paved the way for her debut album. “Nos vies” was released on Valentine’s Day 2020, a bold collection of 20 tracks.
The project was an immediate hit. It peaked at number five in France and achieved Platinum status, confirming listeners deeply connected with her sound.
Key Collaborations with Abou Debeing and Other Artists
Strategic collaborations were central to her growth. Early work with Lartiste and DJ Kayz on “Fonce” showed her versatility.
For the debut album, she brought in heavy hitters. The list included Dadju, Marwa Loud, and Alonzo.
Her partnership with Alonzo on “1ère fois” became a Diamond-certified smash. It remains her biggest commercial hit.
Abou Debeing remained a constant creative force. These collaborations demonstrated her range and ambition, elevating every track they touched.
Exploring Imen Es Discography and Signature Tracks
From Platinum debut to Diamond-certified singles, her catalog demonstrates remarkable staying power. The discography spans three distinct creative phases, each marking artistic evolution.
Album Milestones and Chart Rankings
Her debut “Nos vies” reached #5 and achieved Platinum status in 2020. The album established her commercial viability.
“ES” followed in 2021 with 14 tracks, peaking at #14 in France. “Train de vie” returned her to the top five in 2023.
Each release showed growth in both sound and audience reach.
Standout Singles like “1ère fois” and Beyond
“1ère fois” with Alonzo became her signature track, earning Diamond certification. It charted at #11 in France.
“Essaie encore” hit #5 and went Platinum. “Fantôme” reached #9, showing her consistent hit-making ability.
Recent singles like “1 Minute” and “Quitter” maintain her creative momentum.
Featured Collaborations on Global Platforms
Strategic partnerships expanded her reach beyond solo work. “Unité” with Dadju, Hatik, and Soolking brought her into major collective projects.
Collaborations with Vitaa, MHD, and Amel Bent demonstrated versatility across different musical styles.
These features cemented her position in the contemporary French music landscape.
Imen Es: Artistry & Global Collaborations
Her artistry extends far beyond the recording studio, finding its true pulse on the stages of France’s most storied venues. These performances are where the emotional core of her music fully connects.
She has commanded spaces from the historic Roman amphitheater at the Festival de Nîmes to the legendary L’Olympia in Paris. At the Zenith, her voice balances raw power with intimate delivery. Each show prioritizes the song’s emotional weight over empty spectacle.
Celebrated Performances and Notable Festival Appearances
Gracing stages like La Cigale and Le Dôme de Marseille, she proves her live appeal. These concerts transform her recorded work into shared, communal experiences. Fans leave remembering the feeling, not just the performance.
Impact on the Contemporary R&B Scene
Her impact lies in a respectful blend of tradition and modernity. She weaves raï influences into her R&B foundation with natural grace. This honors her heritage without resorting to cliché.
Her approach builds on soul and pop traditions rather than chasing fleeting trends. The lyrics across her discography explore real-life complexities with consistent honesty.
| Track Title | Collaborating Artists | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Petit génie | Jungeli, Alonzo, Abou Debeing | Showcases layered vocal interplay |
| 1 Minute | Lynda | Highlights adaptive style |
| Quitter | Franglish | Explores themes of departure |
| J’ai fait semblant | GIMS | Partnership with a major star |
These collaborations define a significant part of her work. Each track reveals her ability to adapt while maintaining a distinct vocal identity. This strategic partnership expands her audience and enriches the imen discography.
Final Reflections on Imen Es’s Musical Journey
The arc of Imen Es’s career is a testament to quiet consistency over loud hype. Each album marks a clear step forward. “Nos vies” introduced her voice, “ES” refined her sound, and “Train de vie” confirmed her lasting power.
Her collaborations are strategic, not random. Working with artists like Alonzo and Dadju expanded her reach while maintaining artistic integrity. The guidance of Abou Debeing provided an early foundation for this disciplined approach.
Diamond and Platinum certifications prove commercial success. Yet her real achievement is the emotional connection listeners feel. She built a discography that speaks with honesty, a quality that often gets lost.
Navigating motherhood and a demanding career, she released music with the same focus. Her journey reflects the evolution of French R&B itself. It is a story of craft, vision, and the power of a genuine voice.
