Imanbek Zeikenov (Имамбек Зейкенов) is a Kazakh DJ, producer, and remixer who gained worldwide fame thanks to his remix of the track SAINt JHN – Roses, which earned him a Grammy Award and put Kazakhstan on the map of the global electronic music scene.
He became the first artist from Central Asia to receive such a prestigious award and a symbol of a new wave of producers who achieved success through the internet and raw talent rather than major record labels.
Early Years
Imanbek Zeikenov was born on October 21, 2000, in the city of Aksu, Kazakhstan. From a young age, he was passionate about music, played the guitar, and experimented with electronic sounds.
He did not receive a formal musical education: during his youth, he studied transport engineering and worked on the railway, while simultaneously learning music production software. What began as a hobby gradually turned into his life’s work.
Breakthrough with the “Roses” Remix
In 2019, Imanbek created a remix of SAINt JHN – Roses. Initially, he published it online without official permission, and the track instantly went viral on TikTok, Instagram, and Spotify.
Gradually, the remix gained tens of millions of streams, and SAINt JHN officially recognized the work, releasing it as an official track.
The remix became a global hit:
- #1 on the Billboard Dance/Electronic chart, UK Singles Chart, and Shazam Global;
- Over 2 billion streams on Spotify;
- Certified Platinum and Diamond in dozens of countries;
- Ranked among the top 10 songs of 2020 by Forbes, Billboard, and Apple Music.
In 2021, Imanbek won the Grammy Award in the category Best Remixed Recording, Non-Classical — the first in Kazakhstan’s history.
Further Career
After the success of Roses, Imanbek began actively collaborating with global stars:
- Rita Ora — joint EP Bang (2021), including hits Big and Mood;
- Marshmello — single Too Much;
- Usher, Sean Paul, David Guetta, Afrojack, Alan Walker, Goodboys — collaborative projects and remixes;
- DJ Snake and 24kGoldn — crossovers of EDM, pop, and trap.
In 2022, he launched his own label, Imanbek Music, promoting Kazakh and CIS artists.
Discography (Selected)
Albums & EPs
- Bang (EP, 2021, with Rita Ora)
- Roses (Imanbek Remix) (Single, 2020)
- Goodbye (2022)
- Runaway (2023)
Hit Songs
- Roses (Imanbek Remix) — global breakthrough
- Big (feat. Rita Ora, Gunna, David Guetta)
- Too Much (with Marshmello & Usher)
- Belly Dancer (with BYOR)
- Ordinary Life (with Wiz Khalifa)
- Summertime Sadness (Remix) — unofficial remix with millions of streams
Style and Influence
Imanbek works at the intersection of slap house, deep house, dance pop, and EDM.
His signature sound features powerful basslines, a minimalist structure, and a focus on vocals and memorable hooks.
He represents a new generation of producers who achieve worldwide success without leaving their home country.
Achievements
- Grammy Award (2021) — Best Remixed Recording (Roses);
- MTV EMA Nominee — Best Russian Act;
- Over 5 billion streams across digital platforms;
- Multiple Platinum and Gold certifications;
- First Kazakh artist to enter the Billboard and Spotify Global charts.
Interesting Facts
- Worked on the railway before pursuing a music career.
- Created the Roses remix at home on a laptop without a professional studio.
- SAINt JHN discovered the remix through fans and officially approved it.
- Imanbek became an ambassador of modern Kazakh music on the global stage.
- He is passionate about esports and cars.
- Frequently supports young artists, collaborating with producers from the CIS.
- His journey proves that talent and perseverance can lead to global fame without industry connections or major labels.
Significance
Imanbek has become a symbol of a new era in the electronic scene — where global success is born on the internet.
He proved that a talented artist from Kazakhstan can reach global charts and win a Grammy, changing the perception of the local scene and inspiring a new generation of young producers.
