Recording artist AI Heem is turning real life into real records. Born and raised in Alexandria, Virginia, with Sierra Leonean roots, he started making music at 13 because he wanted songs he could genuinely relate to—music that spoke for him when nothing else did. In this interview, AI Heem opens up about his biggest challenge as an artist, what drives his sound, and the personal experiences shaping the EP he plans to drop this year.
Hey, thanks for chatting with us. Tell us a little about yourself.
My real name is Ibrihim Atimbo. I was born and raised in Alexandria, Virginia, and my ethnicity is Sierra Leonean.
Who or what inspired you to start making music? And when did you start?
I started making music on my own because I wanted to listen to music I could relate to. I started at 13.
What is your biggest challenge as an artist?
Being consistent, because I tend to become unfocused and I run out of things to talk about.
What is your favorite project or single you have released?
“Angels Testimony.” I uploaded it to YouTube under AI Heem.
Who are your inspirations? What artists or bands are you listening to?
My inspiration comes from Afrobeats, but also really just music for the soul.
What’s the process behind working on a song like?
I think about life and what I’ve been through—the good and the bad—and how I feel I’ve been treated.
Tell me about your upcoming music and what inspired you to create it!
I have an EP I want to drop this year, and my trials and tribulations inspired it.
What are your plans for 2026?
To drop at least one single and my EP.
For AI Heem, the goal is simple: stay consistent, stay honest, and keep translating his trials and tribulations into music for the soul. With “Angels Testimony” already out as a snapshot of his world, he’s focused on building momentum into 2026—dropping at least one new single and delivering the EP he’s been working toward. If his story so far is any indication, what’s next won’t just be new music—it’ll be another chapter of growth, perspective, and purpose.