BIJAAN'S LATEST TRACK, JUNGLE, IS A POWERFUL EXPLORATION OF IDENTITY

Bijaan's new single 'Jungle' explores third-culture identity through music and lyrics.

- NOOR ANAND CHAWLA

"Born in the West but I came from the East", says singer Bijaan in his new hip-hop track 'Jungle'.

It's the explanation behind his strong commentary on identity and belonging, as evident with the refrain of the chorus: "I'm straight out the jungle. Go tell 'em it's trouble, I'm straight out the jungle."

'Jungle' is a song about his own third culture identity, which Bijaan proclaims with pride. One generation of people left India decades ago, their children built new lives abroad and had children of their own. While these third generation migrants grow up being exposed to Indian traditions at home, they often never set foot in India, resulting in an identity crisis where they seem to belong to multiple places yet don't completely belong anywhere. There is a subtle disconnection from the culture of one's homeland and roots. Bijaan's track makes a strong statement of intent and belonging, and aims to be an unapologetic anthem for those navigating their own layered identities. With roots in India, East Africa and Canada, Bijaan has certainly earned the moniker of being a truly global hip-hop artist. He claims the lyricism and authenticity of the hip-hop genre's early pioneers, such as A Tribe Called Quest, Mos Def and Lupe Fiasco, as the inspiration for his work. Modern stars like Saba, J. Cole, and Smino have also influenced him.