
Peak
7
Weeks
12
Score
2,411
Chart Year
1954
"Skokiaan" is a popular tune originally written by Zimbabwean musician August Musarurwa in the "Tsaba-tsaba" big band-style that succeeded Marabi.[citation needed] "Skokiaan" ("Chikokiyana" in Shona) is an illegal self-made alcoholic beverage. An early instrumental version was recorded in 1947. Within a year from its 1954 release in South Africa through Gallo Record Company, at least 19 cover versions of "Skokiaan" appeared. The version made in then-Southern Rhodesia reached No. 17 in the United States, while a cover version by Ralph Marterie climbed to No. 3. All versions combined propelled the tune to No. 2 on the Cash Box charts that year. Its popularity extended outside of music, with several urban areas in the United States taking its name. Artists who produced their own interpretations include The Four Lads, Louis Armstrong, Bill Haley, Herb Alpert, Brave Combo, Hugh Masekela and Kermit Ruffins. The Wiggles also covered this song on their Furry Tales album. The music itself illustrates the mutual influences between Africa and the wider world.
Skokiaan Skokiaan Skokiaan Skokiaan Skokiaan Skokiaan Skokiaan Skokiaan Ohh, far away in Africa Happy happy Africa They sing-a bingo bango bingo They have a ball and really go Skokiaan Skokiaan Skokiaan Ohh, take a trip to Africa Any ship to Africa Come on along and learn the lingo Beside a jungle bungalow Skokiaan Skokiaan Skokiaan Hot drums are drumming the hot strings are strumming and warm lips are blissful They're kissful of Skokiaan Ohh, when you go to Africa Happy happy Africa You linga longa like a King-o Right in a jungle bungalow Skoki skoki skoki skokiaan Okie dokie, anybody can Skoki skoki man oh man oh man You sing-a bingo bango bingo In hokey pokey skokiaan Skokiaan Ohh, far away in Africa Happy happy Africa They sing-a bingo bango bingo They have a ball and really go Ohh, take a trip to Africa any ship to Africa Come on along and learn the lingo beside a jungle bungalow Hot drums are drumming the hot strings are strumming and warm lips are blissful They're kissful of Skokiaan Ohh, when you go to Africa Happy happy Africa You linga longa like a King-o Right in a jungle bungalow Skokiaan Skokiaan Skokiaan Skokiaan Ohh, right in a jungle bungalow Skokiaan
| Week | Chart Date | Position | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aug 25, 1954 | 30 | 96 |
| 2 | Sep 1, 1954 | 18 | 108 |
| 3 | Sep 8, 1954 | 16 | 110 |
| 4 | Sep 15, 1954 | 7 | 119 |
| 5 | Sep 22, 1954 | 7 | 119 |
| 6 | Sep 29, 1954 | 8 | 118 |
| 7 | Oct 6, 1954 | 11 | 115 |
| 8 | Oct 13, 1954 | 12 | 114 |
| 9 | Oct 20, 1954 | 15 | 111 |
| 10 | Oct 27, 1954 | 16 | 110 |
| 11 | Nov 3, 1954 | 21 | 105 |
| 12 | Nov 10, 1954 | 24 | 102 |