Sony Music Group x GLAAD ICONS episode 2: INIKO on musical influences, identity and more

In episode 2 of the new Sony Music Group x GLAAD ICONS series, INIKO talks about their musical influences, how their experiences growing up shaped their identity today, and so much more.
ICONS is a series from Sony Music Group x GLAAD aimed at shedding light on the impact of queer artists on music and the music industry at-large.
GLAAD Interviewer - Tony Morrison
Creative Director - Marjan Riazi
Producers - Madilyne Nguyễn-Acosta, Marjan Riazi, Melissa Harris, Lydia Edwards, Anthony Allen Ramos, Tony Morrison
Associate Producers - Yolanda Lenge & Carolina Guerra
Director of Photography - Bill Meisenzahl
Editor - Shaddei May
Camera Operator - Jill Sager
Camera Operator - Steve Sullivan
Audio - Rob Sullivan
Production Assistant - Thomas Lin
For more information about GLAAD's work, please visit www.glaad.org

[@arthurcoomes2942]

I am a 60 year old white man in the Southern, US. The first time I heard you, something -- still undefinable happened. My soul soared and danced and I went to a new and very limitless place. THANK YOU

[@supernova11200]

❤❤❤ astonishingly beautiful

[@slylockdefox246]

The power of music this is the same feeling the black Egyptians had years ago with the chants for the Gods.

[@crysl3343]

@arthurcoomes2942 YOU ARE AWESOME HONEY!!! feel the love

[@nainagill3764]

Same same bro

[@Lavishb6226]

That’s dope

[@Womynxx]

I knew they were going to say MJ was their icon. I can hear the inspiration in their voice. So beautiful.

[@sarahawkins1917]

This was the right interviewer for her because he made her feel comfortable right from the start. So that she could express herself openly and freely.

[@FieryFlamingFajitas]

I recently came across the song Jericho on youtube and was blown away by how powerful that song and Iniko/Iniko's voice are. It's on a whole other level, a whole other wavelength

[@MURIELEvans-fq1wt]

Her song reminds me of Micheal Jackson

[@cammie8701]

I don't know why it's surreal.... she's AMAZING! Her music makes me think I can conquer the world!

[@pkizzy8325]

they are amazing

[@dylanpringle4314]

Me two ❤ she makes me want to sing 🎤 again I understand her so well ran away from fame when I got there didn’t know I was as good 👍 like that it’s to bad / for me. But I wanna thank her for restarting my band and recording

[@carltonrobinson9814]

This girl is from nature she represent the elements of nature , life, time, the universe..her music is so refreshing at the same time it awoke your inner spiritual warrior to immerse in the inner power of yourself to fight and believe in true self awaking. Peace and love be with you Iniko..on your journey.

[@SandySass]

They are not a girl. Did you even watch the interview??

[@burusLi7]

​@@SandySassare you watching? That IS a girl. Words and delusions will never change that fact. You shouldve said "listening" instead, then it would make sense

[@SandySass]

@burusLi7 That's literally not how that works. At all. Thanks for playing though.

[@burusLi7]

@@SandySass did you just say the word literally.... 🤣🤣🤣🤣that's the wrong word for you to be choosing when going on delusional. because LITERALLY thats a female. Delusionally on the other hand? Call her what you want

[@brendonli5220]

u r mentally ill T_T

[@stephaniefrazier7413]

So true. Michael Jackson is definitely a Legend and he spoke and sing his music how he felt and everything day changes.

[@nwosupeter2678]

This lady is not of this realm. She has tapped into the unknown, you can feel it, it’s all over her!!!

[@osker450]

Drugs are a bad thing

[@TermsDecoded]

True. She has makeup that looks like the ones people who practice witchcraft wear.

[@gchat9906]

​@@TermsDecodedIndeed, her singing voice displays remarkable talent, showcasing a captivating quality that resonates with many. However, the overall impression she leaves on others might be impacted by her choice of peculiar facial makeup, which tends to give her a somewhat otherworldly appearance. It's especially noticeable with her eyebrows completely shaved off, which many find rather unconventional and uncommon in mainstream aesthetics. She is peculiar.

[@tashboog5458]

Smh Scorpios are indeed intriguing and powerful. She said she IS going to be ah ah ah and doesn’t run from words like iconic for fake humility, she’s leaving these crumbs and y’all are going to EAT. Tuh

[@X66966]

Mannn, ya'll funny. Just because she's stoney, sounded so profond doesn't make her out of this realm. She's just high and wanted to sound deep, that is all.

[@qw2659]

I am probably twice her age and am still reaching for her level of self awareness. What an AMAZING interview. Kudos to the interviewer for giving her the space to be so open.

[@jenniferwalker5625]

their* them*

[@qw2659]

@@jenniferwalker5625yeah, ok...thanks.

[@cecilliachi]

The Universe led me to discover you at just the right time. I needed more examples of individuals living their true authentic self. You are right! That’s how you are changing the world Iniko. By being yourself, you are giving people permission to know there is the choice to live authentically if they want to. ❤❤

[@eddyreddy]

She is gonna make a huge change in the music industry. Love her calm ways and spiritual outlook on life. Keep it up INIKO I support you all the way. 👍❤️🌹🌹🌹🌹

[@Neesha242]

Is she the first spiritual singer to make it? It’s cool to see her breaking down bridges

[@Tosha7107]

Her speech is even cosmetic, so angelic I love her

[@KoraWade]

NOT HER, THEY ARE NONBINARY

[@qw2659]

So you are literally going to tag this on every post and get increasingly upset in the process? You are giving yourself too much unnecessary stress. I am willing to bet Iniko (THEY) are waaay to grounded to give it this much energy.

[@tomclarke6681]

Lol what a Fucken joke is it a dude or chick ?

[@pkizzy8325]

did u hear the part of the interview@@qw2659where THEY talked about being MIS~gendered...and how it made THEM feel....or is it only what u want to call some1 that matters...

[@MzGumby02]

She is something out of this world. Love her energy and spirit.

[@marzenal]

Yeah, right?

[@KoraWade]

THEY. Not She/Her. That's half of why they are literally on this channel

[@qw2659]

I really wish people would not get SO offended when someone uses a pronoun based on what they see with their eyes. I was today years old when I found out they use "they/them". That's fine and I will use those pronouns from now on but how on earth would someone know that if they had never seen their social media pages? Do some of ya'll just spend all your time correcting pronouns?

[@Mikaelson_Royal]

​@@qw2659I literally just came across a video they/them-ING her and I had to check. Whatever the person us, has a great voice but I can't with the pronouns. Not my business though

[@Mellanima]

I'm pretty sure that they's literally out of this World. Jericho tells us it haha

[@BeautyInVision]

I knew Iniko was a being that i spiritually connected to immediately. She definitely knows who she is💚

[@KoraWade]

@@PankajDoharey who says soul doesn't exist?

[@mirandaunzicker]

@@KoraWadei think this person means you’re not a body that has a soul, but rather you ARE a soul that has a body, you need a physical body in order to explore creation

[@danielandre4633]

I felt every word that you spoke Iniko. Your demeanour is that of Love, innerstanding, strength, vulnerability, peace, awareness and resilience amongst other things… thank you for simply being you… for choosing to allow your light to shine brightly, for this will inspire and encourage others to do the same. May peace and love be upon you now and always ✨♾️❤️♾️✨

[@M.interviews]

I don't need gravity I just need growth ❤

[@balrogia]

I need gravity in order to grow ;)

[@user-gf2er7di3u]

Never come across an interview as this ...I am amazed...at her response...she is intellectually intelligent

[@sarada3162]

omg. i heard her sing and i thought it was Michael Jackson and now i hear her speak about her biggest inspiration, it makes sense!!

[@TwitchyEatsYourFace]

It makes me so happy and proud that I keep finding artists I love and then I find out they are nonbinary like me. Iniko has such a magic about them, like they are almost not human but fairylike and it is enchanting.

[@pameladagher4195]

If she’s a ‘They/Them’ Aren’t you supposed to say Iniko ‘have’ such a magic about them Instead of ‘has’. 🤔? If non-binary people themselves are confused with their self-attributed pronouns, don't blame others for being unable to keep up 😅🤦🏼‍♀️

[@TwitchyEatsYourFace]

@@pameladagher4195 No, because of grammar rules for using the singular "they."

[@shailonmgb]

I love the way she speaks calmness and power in to the atmosphere. If I were having a bad day, I could replay this and INSTANTLY calm down with the energy she puts out. Then turn around and play her music and recharge my Goddess power. Keep doing what you’re doing, Iniko! Keep speaking what you’re speaking! Keep singing what you’re singing!❤🔥❤🔥❤

[@wilfredmarrero891]

I have been following her for the last two months. I have lots of thoughts while listening to the interview, but she answered all the questions that humanity needed to hear. thanks a lot for the interview. I feel we as a human race, we are waking up and breaking the structure that were impose to us by family, education, church and the government. this is the way to freedom, this the way to give back to our race and to the planet. moments like this make me feel like humanity and this planet still have a change to move forward... thanks Sony much and GLAAD. @iniko my love thanks for being, thanks for inspire me, thanks for your voice, thanks for sharing with all of us... by the way i posted in SM that you will win the grammy 2024 with Jerico, I see it girl... love ya

[@luciamamta]

Makes sense they are giving MJ/Left Eye vibes... keep creating Iniko your sound is 🔥

[@steverdms]

Just discovered her today and I can say this already - she is literally a light. So wise for someone so young. I'm so impressed by her as a person, not just an artist. I am 54 years old and I feel there is so much she could teach me. She has an amazing way of seeing and interpreting the world. Wow.

[@china714]

Wow she cant teach you nothing! Shes not wise if she was she would have still been A FOLLOWER TO GOD WHO HAVE HER THAT AMAZING VOICE...INSTEAD SHE WILL SPEAK AND SING HATRED AND HOW SHE IS NOW GOD HERSELF...NOT GOOD....SHE WILL SCARE AND CONFUSE CHILDREN AND MAKE THEM BELIEVE THEY ARE NOTHING...AND SHES BEING EXPLOITED FOR HER WRONGS...DONT WALK RUN THE OTHER WAY...

[@laurauzaite6681]

I felt the whole interview with my soul and heart. Tears were dropping throughout the whole video!! I love you INIKO 🙏🥰

[@TaraTheard]

She’s iconic ❤❤

[@Lowkeemuzikk]

Please please do not let the industry change your music or how you are...stay exactly and do it like you are now...I discovered her about 3 months ago and have been hook. Her energy, voice, spirit everything is just different and transcends everything we know today as far as music and the potential for the human race..I mean wow.....

[@erikafox9651]

For real. I hope iniko stays true to themselves and don't let the industry change them

[@china714]

Shes being exploited for her story they are trying to hurt God and you are gonna do the same she couldnt accept correction...not good shes dangerous

[@anitapickens6121]

This young person is the epitome of grace and beauty. I love her music.

[@cameronbosman4223]

Lol, why would you make it so difficult to refer to her. "This young person" - are you serious?

[@Mikaelson_Royal]

​@@cameronbosman4223is she an old person? What's you're problem?

[@robhagans]

Simply is it a man or woman?

[@Mikaelson_Royal]

@@robhagans No one cares. It's a "young person" - The end! That should be all that matters.

[@crysl3343]

I FEEL YOU INIKO!!! I GET SOOO SAD but INSPIRED to think about him...NOBODY EVER DID IT LIKE MICHEAL .. but i believe YOU CAN BRING THAT BACK ....he WAS THE HUGEST MOST SACRED SOURCE OF PEACE ON THIS PLANET

[@professionalbystander2574]

I dont listen to new music much but Iniko came and shared her soul and boom I love music again.

[@rubylioness727]

This was the sermon I needed on this Sunday. Ashe' Iniko! Thank you for having Them on here and allowing us to get a more in depth look at who They are as an artist!

[@ZMS463]

I'm sorry you had that experience at your church growing up. I love your music; I knew you were going to say MJ was your icon! There is something about you that is so much like him in your music and how you talk and present yourself. God bless.

[@CelestiallMusic]

INIKO🎉🎉🎉🎉So inspiring to see how far they’ve come!!! 🌌 🦋🥰🌟💫 They are so real and honest in their explanations I love how they explained the binary being imposed on us by colonization, they explained it so eloquently, truly such an inspiring soul! 🦋I LOVE THE PART where they say “its not my job to open people that do not want to be opened” I love that so so true and resonated with my soul🌌

[@tammikacampbell3424]

They wont understand what you said about being a medium... someone that can be herself and inspire us to do so... my favorite ❤

[@VegaVeg]

She ALREADY is one of the greatest! I was showing my son some of her stuff and he said "OMG, mom, are you a 'STAN?!'" I had to take a step back and realized....OMG, I AM A STAN!!! She's all I listen to anymore... I love her, I think she is way better than MOST of the artists out now! I can't wait to see how far she takes this now that she's finally taken off!

[@KoraWade]

THEY, NOT SHE/HER

[@boooopadoop]

What is a STAN❤

[@DelusionDispeller]

What is a Stan!

[@DelusionDispeller]

Ok I know what a stan is. An idolater. Got it! And I'm a stan of no man ( or anything or anyone else) I enjoy various types of music but I do not put humans or stars etc on pedestals

[@tashboog5458]

😂 I must be old brah 🤦🏾‍♀️ Go stream the song Stan by Eminem. The masses coined the term from this epic moment in music history. Sheesh!

[@stormikatwoke4631]

This interview was so soul filling. Thank you so much for sharing Iniko. I do believe that you are a catalyst. Your music has helped to feel my soul more. I'm working on rebuilding a 2 way road for my head & heart to reconnect. Society has a great way of burying the soul & extinguish the fire burning inside of a person. I've always asked myself, & still do, how so many humans just see God as a "man" or "woman"? Why couldn't God just be considered as pure Energy? Energy forgives, energy accepts, energy flows through us all and if they say God flows through us then wouldn't that just be considered Energy? I don't enjoy using the word God as I feel that's the term humans gave, I prefer Higher Power. Whoever is reading this, you are iconic. You make a difference in lives without ever realizing it. You are energy. You can live the way you want & not follow society guide lines.

[@jasondawson92]

She remind me of Tboz from TLC her look 👀 her face and hair and body

[@SandySass]

I was thinking that i see in iniko what I see in Michael Jackson - fast forward five minutes, and they literally mentioned Michael in an interview as their main influence and inspiration! I was like I KNEW IT! The energy is the same. It comes from someplace else.

[@dianemarie9d9]

For me, it's where creativity and what is labeled "insanity" (I don't believe in that) collide. The insanity is in the growing pains. It's shattering, shredding, but like after a forest fire, there is new growth. It all NEEDS TO HAPPEN. It all needs to BE. And YES, THANK YOU!!!!

[@TamaraFeltonFuentes-yn2yy]

You are manifesting you are evolving you have tapped into your higher self awareness. And what many people fail to realize that there is more than one reality. When someone bigger and think they figured you out then you have gone to a different realities always changing always evolving.

[@annbalgobin369]

This girl is a star seed, you are truly amazing and inspiring. Your voice is incredible beautiful and soothing.

[@blain147]

She is just so beautiful and talented. But, there's a lot more to it, you can feel that there is a high frequency; a divine spirit that resides in Iniko. She's a star child, like Michael, Sade, Prince, Teena Marie etc 💯❤❤💯

[@starrlara2599]

I was so depressed too when Michael Jackson died. It was surreal. He was only two years younger than me, and I grew up listening to him. I kept wondering why wasn’t the world stopping for a moment.

[@dannyoliver1840]

Iniko!!! Watching this interview made me very happy…you speak so gently, softly and eloquently as MJ did…I know how proud of you Michael would be…or perhaps I should say, how proud of you he is, watching over you, smiling…what a creative collaboration you would have made…Michael is sacred artistic musical cosmic legendary genius and I always knew and felt that he inspires you heavily…you are a very special artist and like Michael you do not confirm, have your own style and make the music from your soul and not to try and fit in with the current “trend” and you stay authentic to your artistic identity…i COMPLETELY relate to you…when Michael passed, a huge part of me went with him…I was completely depressed and devastated…i still can't believe it but he is forever alive in his music and art…I spent a lot of time with him over a 10year period, made and designed 3 jackets for him and visited him in Neverland various times…I twice performed for him in London and New York…now i work as an MJ tribute artist…I know if you’d met him that he would have felt your glow..i have no doubt you'll meet Michael in the next world…thank you for being so authentic, for crediting Michael and for your beautiful artistry. Thank you also for speaking up about Palestine and for using your platform to amplify the truth…i'm all over it…MJ wrote a poem for Palenstine!! blessings to you

[@lunacco]

They are truly amazing! I can't wait to see their career build.

[@shaystar5008]

Congrats to Iniko and all the success 🎉🎉🎉

[@meltemh.2002]

I love how aware and enlightened she is

[@coreyhabbas]

I love how introspective she is. I love hearing her thought process and how she thinks so deeply and she explores and thinks about existence and intention. She is an evolved soul who is not confined. This is freedom of thought in its very essence.

[@Doc_BM]

Great interview. Great questions. INIKO's capability to express her thoughts and articulate certain complex concepts is outstanding.❤

[@CreateYourBestVersion]

Beautiful spirit ❣️🙏🏼🕉🌎☮️ I love her conscious thinking before answering the questions. Gratitude 🙏🏼

[@kimberlygregory-buval1225]

Talent that cannot be aptly expressed in words!!❤😇 She is undeniably an "Anointed One" & it is no surprise that she initially channeled her musical influences into worship.🎼🎵 So simple and complex a being has blessed our ears and souls as a messenger and vessel🧚‍♂️🙏😇.... Infinite, consummate talent- so privileged 2 put a thought process and personality to the voice!

[@MayaLove1976]

So fantastic there’s a truly Spiritually Conscious and aware artist who will be influencing the whole world! Yay!!!! 🌟🌟🌟 I knew it as soon as I heard her words in Jericho. Been following ever since. ❤🙏🏼

[@china714]

Wow shes a lost soul stay away see her in 2 years....she believes she is God...its the devil working through her.

[@tacarlathomas2583]

Her singing voice is waaaay bigger than her speaking voice ❤

[@grazyvalerio3875]

Michael Jackson também era assim,sua fala era suave,e quando cantava era algo poderoso.

[@faceymagee1283]

The most iconic role model INIKO ❤. I can feel your soul through you majestic music. Thank you for making me feel great and iconic ❤

[@nekeshaburrell3168]

I resonated with every word. WOW sista! the energy is surely aligned. the awareness is DIVINE!

[@rrainnecross8065]

Wow!!!! Just beautiful i have always believed this!!

[@user-ee1et2pm1z]

I Love Her, the way she talks snd explains things, she is doing beautiful things and I thing she is already ICONIC but I feel there is sooo much more to come

[@Virginbabe1]

Love this interview. Truly amazing

[@websnuzy6240]

Wow, amazing and talented - fabulous!

[@slatecat]

She is amazing. First time in ages I heard something so incredible🙌🙏

[@pkizzy8325]

they

[@slatecat]

@@pkizzy8325 🤦

[@ms.lovelace5049]

Talented 🎶 🎼 Young Woman..! 🌸 Absolutely.! Gorgeous I am so Happy For Her ☀️

[@user-be1rb3zg6q]

Yes you are the new icon of music we need this today thank you and keep blessing us 🙏 ❤

[@MonnoDoll]

That was a beautiful episode. She is so brave and magnificent and I am proud of her

[@RoinesAndScroines]

This artist has touched a part of my psyche, seriously

[@gretchenlee3321]

Your music speaks to my inner spirit & I feel it in my entire being. Keep this up, Iniko, I am a seer & know that your beautiful music will change the world! 💜🔮🧙🏼‍♀️💜

[@Ramuh100]

Oh my goodness. She has a BEAUTIFUL voice.

[@roannasabeh-azar1186]

Iniko, you ar beautiful! Great interview and Love your music!

[@recordingriot3450]

She’s def a Icon of change and a huge impact for me musically!!! Thank you Iniko

[@vonkachez]

Amazing interview because of the value of the information💕🦋💕I fell in love with her from the 1st seconds of hearing her song, the lyrics, and then seeing her. She is needed so much here, she is making an amazingly good impact. I so resonate with this kind of energy, I believe more like minded people align together, and not to fight, but to show a better way💕🦋💕

[@tarabass479]

❤Love you Iniko Keep Shining You are an Awesome Being ❤

[@nkirukayakini1333]

EXCELLENT INTERVIEW! POWERFUL GUEST!!! THANKS FOR SHARING! 🔥🔥🔥

[@sergiovega4690]

I don’t care what gender you are just keep making science inspired music, love Jericho ❤

[@imagecarnival]

INIKO is incredible all around.

[@IndustryPlay360]

Sister is special...great interview.

[@missjewells5063]

I love her!

[@stephaniecombs8438]

Am I the only one that has just been crying this entire interview?

[@rodneyredden2413]

I loved her after the first four bars of voice and music and then I heard her speak and loved her more. I pray for her protection as she grows into the industry and whenever I share her music it’s magnetic.I am very happy for her future,like a proud uncle LuvAlwaze,Iniko ¥

[@user-ew4pn3og7t]

A star is born 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟👍👍💯🥰

[@pudermcgavin4462]

I love this interview! Omg!

[@ranian7]

Iniko! Omg Luna is one of my fav songs. Thank you for existing sibling❤😊

[@geoffjohnson5855]

Amazing interview on both ends!! Amazing humans! Thank you!

[@anonymoussecret-cp1jy]

My new favourite

[@Sumerianharp]

How can a genius gift from God to earth be this adorable

[@yvonnewatcher2569]

Awesome conversation! Thank you for sharing this!

[@anthonygreene6819]

Love you.......a game changer

[@jerombird1614]

❤ Thank you Iniko from France. You are a pure Wonder. Tanks a lot to be who you are who IS just our genuine collective pure Heart.

[@LOVEISALL2023]

I LOVE INIKO, GOD BLESS YOU.😊

[@RomanasYT]

Such a beautiful person and soul 🥰 I know the gender pronouns is hard to shake as it’s the beginning of a cultural shift. I forget too! But I understand their reasoning behind it, even more. So thank you Iniko 🙏 Please keep on being you

[@Staykool777]

I love this girl

[@icebeargamingrobloxd981]

Beautiful inside and out , so pure absolutely love her music I had Jericho on replay for a straight hour , love the one with no music in the background just her voice is so so beautiful

[@Sachealbrainbox]

This is divine wisdom ...her words counts gosh

[@Water_Wind_69]

We love you, see you, and are here for you Iniko

[@andrewfarrar741]

They are amazing. 🌈🌞. 🌻🌻🌻.

[@yvettesilva5145]

Yes she is os deep in her music I love it

[@arvinderbains7346]

Beautiful throughout ❤

[@sandraharper8112]

You, young lady are amazing, you are more than a singer, you are a messenger

[@soniakusznir119]

Her message is so pure and beautiful

[@RancidPlum918]

Yes absolutely ❤

[@user-um1kj7dj6s]

Thank you ❤

[@choose2vibe]

Super, in the sweetest way. Very cool. Very informed without overwhelming us. Great to see in addition to amazing talent. Much success on the way. 💯📡

[@spiritofmatter1881]

I deeply relate to them

[@rainrichards8068]

Absolutely love you