Alimah Kebede (born September 12, 1987) is a singer-songwriter, guitarist, composer and producer that was signed to Lux from 2004-2015. She recorded music in the genres of R&B, alternative rock, industrial rock, electronica, and experimental. Starting out as an R&B singer and dancer, she had transitioned into alternative rock on her sophomore album, showcasing her genius in creating a unique sound that combined both R&B, punk, and hard rock that was both radio friendly for urban and rock radio stations. She is considered one of the pioneers of the dark, industrial, and trap-beat infused sound popular in the alternative R&B, indie rock, and emo rap of the 2010s.
Not only was she celebrated for her music but also for her dark and edgy personal style and beauty. She never posed nude or openly spoke about her sexual experiences in interviews; however, she’s expressed sexuality in some of her music and has been public about her bisexuality.
Born in a musical family, she is the youngest daughter of Amir Kebede, Ethiopian-born and world-renowned jazz guitarist and composer. She is also the youngest sister of Grammy award-winning R&B singer and fashion designer Fanaye Kebede, whom she has shared the spotlight when occasionally. Her mother Eugenia, an African-American/Creole model, also has singing talent.
Alimah’s biggest influences in music are her father and rock artists Jimi Hendrix and Trent Reznor (the frontman of Nine Inch Nails). She is inspired by Michael Jackson as a musician and dancer, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Tracy Chapman, Fela Kuti, and Lenny Kravitz. She also named Hendrix and jazz guitarist Pat Metheny as major influences on her as a guitarist. She listed African-American poet June Jordan and Edgar Allen Poe as literary and lyrical influences. Alimah greatly admires R&B singer Aaliyah and punk rocker Joan Jett, two women whom she cites as major influences on her public image and personal style.
Kenya Nelson | Writer 