Soul Makossa

Recorded by Cameroonian saxophonist and bandleader Manu Dibango with a multinational ensemble in Paris and originally issued as the B-side of a single celebrating the 1972 Africa Cup of Nations. The session blended makossa rhythms with jazz, funk and soul influences that Dibango had developed during his years in Europe and Africa. The track became an international surprise hit and was one of the first African recordings to achieve major commercial success in the United States. Its infectious groove and distinctive vocal refrain introduced makossa to a global audience. The song became one of the most sampled and referenced recordings in popular music, particularly its 'ma-ma-se, ma-ma-sa, ma-ma-kossa' chant. Its influence extends across disco, hip-hop, R&B, pop and dance music, with notable borrowings by artists including Michael Jackson and Rihanna.