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Defining 'Jique' as Something Lithe and Worldly

None of Brazilian Girls' members are Brazilian, and only singer Sabina Sciubba is a woman.
None of Brazilian Girls' members are Brazilian, and only singer Sabina Sciubba is a woman.

Brazilian Girls singer Sabina Sciubba speaks Italian, German, French, Spanish, Portuguese and English. But speaking six languages isn't enough for the Rome-born, Bavarian-raised, New York City-dwelling Sciubba: She also makes up words, as she did for the title of "Jique," the debut single off her band's new album, Talk to La Bomb.

The song is built on a dirty moan of a descending bass line, skipping drums, keyboard squelches and Sciubba's own expressive vocals, which alternate between English and French. While Brazilian Girls' members — none of whom are from Brazil, and only one of whom is female — are known for making lithe, worldly dance music, they've attributed the punchy, almost Daft Punk-like sound of "Jique" to the fact that they've been taking their club-friendly act into rock clubs.

Sciubba won't reveal what "jique" means, but in spite of her willfully mysterious persona — she always keeps her eyes covered in photo shoots and onstage — it's easy to assume that it signifies something provocative. "Jique" only adds to her mythology, and it's irresistibly danceable to boot.

Listen to yesterday's 'Song of the Day.'

Copyright 2022 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.

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Christopher Porter
Christopher Porter is a freelance writer, editor and photographer based in Silver Spring, Md. He has a bad back and great hair. His work has appeared in Alternative Press, Entertainment Weekly, ESPN the Magazine, Inside Entertainment, Global Rhythm, Harp, JazzTimes, National Geographic World Music, Time Out Chicago, The Stranger, Vibe, Washington City Paper and The Washington Post. He blogs and repurposes junk at www.christopherporter.com.
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