Nzinga Imani is finally sharing her music with the world. After making a name for herself as Angela on “Sistas” and the spin-off “Zatima,” she just released her very first single, “Drown.” For her, music is her creative foundation; it’s what led her to acting and now she’s circling back to what she loves most.

“Music was my first love,” Nzinga tells BET. “It just took a leap of faith to realize I could do whatever I wanted. Anything that brings me joy, I go for it fully. That’s where I am now—no breaks, no waiting, just doing it.”

The track's slow and sensual energy with subtle Afrobeats influences is a nod to her Guyanese roots. “It’s about trust, vulnerability, and really leaning into your partner,” she says. “It’s sexy, but soft. A vibe you can play on repeat. I wanted it to feel romantic, fun, and confident all at once.”

A highlight t of her creative process to bring this moment to life was working with producer Renzi808, who made everything feel easy. “I’ve seen him work behind the scenes for a while, and I’ve always admired his skills,” Nzinga says. “There was nobody else I’d rather take this leap with. It felt natural, and I could really experiment without overthinking it.”

The visuals for the song bring that intimate essence to life behind the screen. Filmed by her partner, who intentionally uses blue tones, water imagery, and a first-person perspective to create a sense of closeness with the audience. “It’s like you’re seeing the song through his eyes,” she says. “Everything felt fun and natural—a little day-in-the-life, a little elevated. I love that it didn’t feel forced.”

The rising star has always worn many hats—actress, model, entrepreneur, and now musician—and she sees all of them as connected, not separate. “Everything I do influences the other,” she explains. “I started singing, which led to acting. I studied stage makeup and costuming, which taught me to be my own boss. All of it circles back and feeds the next chapter. It’s all part of the same journey.”

As fans tag along for the ride, they can expect her full project to reflect the confluence of different genres that showcase her talent and versatility. “I’m not a one-trick pony,” she says. “Afrobeats is a big part of me because of my heritage, but I also love exploring different sounds. I want people to play with me, be open to it, and see the range I can do. I think they’re going to be surprised.”

With her birthday, Valentine’s Day, and the video release all happening around the same time, Nzinga also has a message about self-love and intention. “Love yourself first,” she says. “Everything else comes from that. Treat yourself with respect, be intentional, and everyone else will follow. Show love to yourself first. Period.”

Now that “Drown” is out on all streaming platforms and the video is on YouTube, she’s inviting us to experience her musical talents.