| "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(s) | 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.
- ^ Kutema Musasa, by Musekiwa Chingodza. Dandemutande Catalog, Track 2. Retrieved 5 February 2008.
- ^ Foreign News: Deadly Drink, Time Magazine, May 14, 1956