A Star Steps Into Her Light
Amber Iman has always had the kind of presence that commands attention—rich vocals, a magnetic stage aura, and a truth-teller’s soul. But in the Public Theater’s musical Goddess, she’s not just commanding attention—she’s rewriting history. In a role crafted over nearly a decade, Iman plays Marimba, a divine Kenyan musician whose songs stir love, pain, and transformation. And with that, she’s becoming the kind of lead that Black theatergoers have long been waiting for.
“It’s not just a role,” Iman said in a recent interview. “It’s a celebration of who I am. Of who we are.”
Center Stage, Finally
Goddess, written by Jocelyn Bioh and helmed by director Saheem Ali, fuses a vibrant soundtrack—Afrobeats, jazz, R&B, and soul—with a mystical love story rooted in African folklore. Iman portrays Marimba as both siren and sage, embodying a character that’s sensual, spiritual, and sovereign.
This role is significant not just for Iman but for the culture. In an industry where Black women are too often typecast or relegated to supporting roles, Goddess allows a dark-skinned Black woman to own her full complexity on center stage. Iman sees the role as revolutionary.
“There aren’t many times when we get to be the magic and the message. Too often we’re just the punchline, the best friend, or the trauma,” she explained. “But this—this is power. This is legacy.”
A Journey Years in the Making
The path to Goddess wasn’t short. Iman joined the project in its earliest workshop phases almost eight years ago. At the time, it was unclear whether the show would even make it to a mainstage run. But Iman stayed with it, adding her voice—both literal and creative—to shape a story that now feels tailor-made.
In that time, she also became one of Broadway’s most compelling voices, starring in Hamilton, portraying Nina Simone, and touring with Lauryn Hill. But Goddess is personal. It’s a love letter to Black women, African roots, and the healing power of music.
Uplifting More Than Herself
Iman’s success doesn’t stop at her own spotlight. In 2020, she co-founded Black Women on Broadway, a collective dedicated to amplifying the voices of Black women in theater. Through community building, scholarships, and mentorship, the organization is already shifting the culture behind the curtain.
“We are doing the work to ensure this industry doesn’t just have one seat for us,” she said. “We’re building the whole damn table.”
It’s a reminder that while Goddess may have a singular star, Iman is deeply committed to collective elevation.
Changing the Narrative
Theater has long been a space that prides itself on inclusion, yet consistently fails Black women when it comes to opportunity and recognition. Iman’s rise—and her refusal to water herself down—represents a shift. Her performance isn’t just a win for one actress; it’s a cultural statement.
“She is the definition of what Black excellence looks like onstage,” one audience member tweeted after seeing the show. “Finally, a story that lets a Black woman be soft and strong and divine.”
A Future Shaped by Her Voice
As Goddess continues its run at The Public, Iman isn’t just playing a god—she’s embodying what it means to lead with grace, vision, and authenticity. And for every young Black girl watching from the audience, she’s modeling what it means to claim your space fully and unapologetically.
“I want them to know they’re not too much,” Iman said. “You can sing your song, take up space, and be exactly who you are. That’s where your power is.”
Learn more from Amber herself in this interview with New York Live:
Uptown Sunday celebrates Amber Iman not just for her vocal range or acting chops, but for her commitment to building a world where Black women no longer have to ask for permission to shine.
