Originally found in Mexico but now used in dishes around the world, jicama is the versatile root vegetable celebrated on Angelica Garcia's new song "Jicama." On the boisterous track, Garcia uses it as a metaphor for the journey many of her people have taken over the years while also alluding to the loss of identity when someone ignores their history.
Garcia writes via email: "This song is about not being seen for having a dual identity. When you don’t feel seen, you don’t feel accepted for who you are. In my case, I’m American, but I am also Mexican & Salvadoran because of my family blood. Though people often don’t know where to put me, I proudly wear both sides of my identity. The U.S. is a country made up of people from other countries. This song and video are a love letter to kids who grew up embracing two worlds just like me.”
Alongside the Grant Jensen-directed video, the Latinx singer is also launching WEAR YOUR ROOTS, a charity initiative selling t-shirts and posters that will fund regionally based organizations supporting migrant families in the U.S like ¡MIRA!, Annunciation House, and Immigrant Families Together.
Catch Garcia at her US headline shows at LA’s Gold Diggers on October 2nd and at NYC’s Bowery Electric on October 7th.
Photo: Caitlyn Krone