We fell in love with Canadian Hip Hop star, Zaki Ibrahim years ago when she released Eclectica In Purple. She has since grown into a globally distinguished songstress and producer who has solidified her place in our hearts. She’s back in SA to heat things up on the stage yet again this weekend. The star chatted to us about what we can expect from her performance as well as her highly anticipated upcoming album.
1. I believe that I am music. I am an artist who writes and produces music that speaks to who I am. I am a spiritual creative, a student of life and a loving mother. Music is my life because if I didn’t make it, I wouldn’t be me.
2. My music creation process is blissful. I create music because it is a therapeutic escape and release. Every time I frantically write down a lyric or melody, I feel as if I’m decoding a mystery buried within me. It’s an amazing feeling.
3. I continue to enjoy growth in my career. I look back at my career with joy because I had the opportunity to tour Canada with Tumi and the Volume. I also wrote a song for Tyler Perry’s movie For Coloured Girls. Performing with The Roots in New York was another highlight of my career. I look forward to growing even more.
4. I’m excited about my upcoming live performance in Newtown. I haven’t performed in Joburg for almost three years, so this is the perfect homecoming. The love and support my fan base has shown me over the years is uplifting. I have received exciting messages from people planning to attend, and as the date approaches, I’m feeling the love.
5. I’m releasing my second album in a few months. I have been working on it for the past three years. It is a true labour of love, blood, sweat and tears. I have also just released a prequel EP with RedBull called ORBIT: a post coital prequel, available for download at zakiibrahim.com
*Zaki will perform at 39 Gwi Gwi Mrwebi Street in Newtown on 4 February at 9pm.