Bijaan Unveils 'Jungle': A Powerful Anthem of Third-Culture Identity and Belonging

The conversation on identity just got its anthem. Bijaan a global hip-hop artist with roots stretching across India, East Africa, and Canada has released his commercial debut single, "Jungle" (November 4th), and it’s a powerful statement of belonging for the third-culture kid generation.

"Jungle" isn't just a song; it's a reclamation. For third-culture kids, who often feel a sense of rootlessness, Bijaan (of Gujarati descent, born in Canada) channels defiance and heritage into the track. He explains: “Although I have roots in all these places, it’s easy to feel like I don’t truly fit into any single one. Jungle is my way of bringing together all the cultures that I come from and an anthem for those of us looking for a place to call home.”

Born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, Bijaan was drawn away from Western Canada's dominant country music scene by the soul of his father’s Motown records and the grit of late-90s hip-hop pioneers like A Tribe Called Quest and Mos Def. He blends that old-school authenticity with the polish of modern stars like J. Cole and Saba, creating music that transcends hip-hop generations.

This ambitious first official single is bolstered by Canadian hip-hop stalwart Junia-T on the beat. The production itself is as culturally rich as Bijaan's story: Junia-T channeled Indian influences, resulting in the organic inclusion of live Tabla by Gurpreet Chana, strings by Adrian Irvine, horns by The Chmst and Joseph Bahhadi, and raag vocals by Anuja Panditrao. Bijaan reflected that the process felt "so easy and organic everyone involved really got the vision."

Bijaan's dedication has been two decades in the making, honing his craft since penning his first song in the sixth grade. His commitment has earned him opening slots for artists like Kardinal Offishall and TOBi, and festival performances at JUNO Week, NXNE, and Sled Island. His artistic journey has always been tied to identity; in 2015, his spoken word piece, They Are Not Me, condemning Islamophobia, garnered over four million views online.

"This is my first real offering to the world. Ground zero. The beginning of my journey," Bijaan states. With a debut EP planned and international shows ahead, he hopes music will be the bridge that takes him home to India, a place he is three generations removed from.

"Jungle" is streaming now on all major platforms. Press play, and join the journey of reclamation. 🎧