Chispa

Chispa’s debut album Somos Medicina is a reflection of our interdependence with the land, the plants that nourish us, and the friendships and community ties that help us find our medicine. From the lively Soukous inspired track, “Nada Se Pierde” about the lessons that composting teaches us, to “Semilla de Maíz,” a Bomba song about the power of seed-saving, Somos Medicina tells stories about learning from the land through original compositions inspired by Cumbia, Bolero, Son Jarocho and more. Led by songwriter Julia Rocha-Nava, these compositions emerged from their experience working as an urban farmer and educator and their desire to create life-affirming music that celebrates the power of collective care. The album was a deeply collaborative project, featuring musicians, culture workers and organizers such as Sebastián Ángel Romero aka manifiesto, Queer and Trans Bomba ensemble Recao Rulé, flutist lee hooper, and many more. The project has received support from New Music USA and the Brooklyn Arts Council’s Creative Equations Grant for Justice, Sustainability, and Equity. As the 2025 Performing Artist in Residence at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Chispa is known for live performances that are both energetic and tender—inviting audiences to dance, sing, and heal together through songs that celebrate friendship, land stewardship, and collective liberation.