SKOKIAAN

Album

Single

Label

Decca Records

Genre

Bulawayo Jazz

Media Type

45

Composer(s)

August Msarurgwa

Entered Chart

Aug 28, 1954

Peak Date

Sep 4, 1954

Released

1947

Recorded

Unknown

Catalog #

London 45-1491

B-Side

In The Mood

Original recording in "(Southern) Rhodesia" (nowadays Zimbabwe) Versions recorded in the United States Misconceptions Other usages of the name Chart positions Chronological list of all versions See also References External links Audio Visual Skokiaan Article Talk Read Edit View history Tools From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia "Skokiaan" Single by The African Dance Band of the Cold Storage Commission of Southern Rhodesia A-side "Skokiaan" B-side "In the Mood" Recorded 1947 Genre Tsaba-tsaba Label GALLO-Gallotone Records (JIVE GB.1152) Songwriter August Musarurwa (typeset August Msarurgwa in records) "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)[1] is an illegal self-made alcoholic beverage.[2] 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.

Instrumental