[1] Born in British Columbia to a father originally from South Africa and a mother from the United Kingdom,[2] Ibrahim spent her childhood as what she describes as a "citizen of the world", living at different times in Canada, South Africa, the United Kingdom and France .

She moved to Toronto, Ontario in the mid-2000s, and soon became a popular draw on the city's live music scene.

[1] She released her debut EP, Shö (Iqra in Orange), in 2006.

[2] Following one show at the El Mocambo in 2007, her production team and supporting musicians immediately formed an assembly line to produce and burn a compact disc recording of the just-completed show for immediate sale; the lineup to purchase copies extended well outside the club's front door.

Her live shows to support the EP included an appearance with Bedouin Soundclash at the 2008 MuchMusic Video Awards, and a show opening for Erykah Badu at Massey Hall.