Folk-pop band Sugarcane and R&B singer-songwriter Jikamarie joined forces for the latest collaboration, “Aking Maria Clara” (My Maria Clara).
Sugarcane described the song as, “A heartfelt track that talks about the bliss of having your loved one beside you. Through poetic lyrics and a blend of lo-fi and R&B sounds, the song offers a fresh perspective on admiration and appreciation. With its intimate melodies and soulful vibe, it captivates listeners, leaving a lasting impression of love and affection.”
“Aking Maria Clara” is a revamped version of Sugarcane’s previously released track, “Maria Clara.” The version with Jikamarie features more electronic and R&B elements, compared to the original song’s more acoustic and folk-leaning sound. Sugarcane also performed “Maria Clara” on Billboard Philippines Soundwave earlier this April. Watch the full episode here.
Aside from performing on Billboard Philippines Soundwave, they were featured on the folk issue of the magazine, where they opened up about their experience from their recently concluded busking tour.
“When the idea was pitched to us, we were all on board with the idea even before all the logistical details were finalized. The opportunity to tour diverse locations and share our music with people from various backgrounds filled us with genuine excitement,” shared Froilan Bautista, the band’s drummer.
Bassist and vocalist Carl Guerzon continued, “Busking presented the challenge of delivering our songs more softly without losing their emotional impact. We also worked on how to captivate passers-by who were unfamiliar with our music, hoping to make them appreciate our songs despite their unfamiliarity.”
“The busking experience brought an unexpected transformation to our band,” shares flutist Ronamae Tiñola. “Since joining the group, we had already shared a strong bond, but the busking tour deepened our connections and solidified our unity.”
Watch the official lyric visualizer for Sugarcane and Jikamarie’s “Aking Maria Clara” on YouTube below.