Zaki Ibrahim

by Jen McNeely
Zaki Ibrahim brings an introspective deepness to her music that hits the souls of audiences in a very personal and emotional way.

Although born in Vancouver, Zaki’s childhood was divided between Vancouver Island’s Nanaimo and Cape Town South Africa. There was a constant push and pull to be with family in Africa and moving back for work in British Columbia. Thus Zaki was never in one place for very long, and experienced the ignorance and differences on both sides of the world; no doubt a diversified way to grow up – and this experience comes through in her music as a very eccentric sound.

No longer dividing her time between distinctly opposite environments, she has now settled down in Parkdale, Toronto but certainly her music transcends borders.

I had the opportunity to chat with Zaki about her growing success and her new album Eclectica (episodes in purple), released May 13th.

What do you love most about your profession right now?

“I love working with my friends and having fun together – being as creative as I want to. We are resourceful together and I’m proud that we can make something out of nothing.”

It’s not just something, but riveting music that incorporates the tribal and timeless beats of Africa with insightful rhythms and beautiful harmonies. A powerful yet pretty voice from a clearly spiritual and uplifting person; that is Zaki. Her songs have a very earthly undertaking sound about them, and when you listen to them it’s just as easy to visualize the lush forests and waters of Nanaimo, as it is the plains of Africa or the crowded downtown streets of Toronto.

Curious to understand the incorporation of so many sounds in one album, and even one song, I ask Zaki who her strongest influences are.

“Everything around you is an influence; I credit my mom for a lot. Musically, my last performance with Erykah Badu was incredible but I also have been influenced by Roberta Flack, Edith Piaf – artists who have a lot of soul and feeling in their music.”

Although influenced by some legendary female artists, Zaki grew up listening to all types; underground / hip hop / house and singled out Stevie Wonder, Bruce Springstein, Shabba Ranks and Anita Baker. Quite the mixed group!

In an industry where it’s often difficult to distinguish the fabricated from the genuine – Zaki certainly shines through as a strong real musician.

“I am myself and I do what I feel like doing”

An easy but poignant lesson for all.

Eclectica (episodes in purple) is in stores now. There’s a lot of hype around Zaki, and it’s no doubt that her career is on the cusp of something really big. Put on Eclectica and you will be removed from every day life and taken to a place of calm, beauty and emotional stability…or at least I was.