Deciphering the Enigma: The Meaning Behind Ma-ma-se Ma-ma-sa Ma-ma-ko-ssa
In the world of music, phrases and sounds can transcend borders and cultures, becoming iconic symbols of a generation. One such example is the catchy chant "ma-ma-se ma-ma-sa ma-ma-ko-ssa," a rhythmic vocalization that has left an indelible mark on both African music and mainstream pop culture.
This chant originates from a song titled "Soul Makossa," released in 1972 by Cameroonian musician Manu Dibango. The phrase is an excerpt from the Duala language, spoken in Cameroon, and roughly translates to a rhythmic vocalization associated with dance and celebration. In its original context, it carries significant cultural weight as part of Afro-funk and African pop music traditions, representing a fusion of rhythmic, linguistic, and dance elements from Central Africa.
Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, played a pivotal role in popularizing this chant on a global scale. In his 1983 hit song "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'," Jackson sampled the chant, incorporating it as a hook in the opening and closing lines. This inclusion helped to propel the chant into the limelight, making it a recognizable and iconic phrase beyond its original cultural context.
The use of "ma-ma-se ma-ma-sa ma-ma-ko-ssa" in "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'" connected African music influences with Western pop audiences, adding an energetic, multicultural flavor to the track. The chant's infectious rhythm and enigmatic sound resonated with listeners worldwide, contributing to the song's enduring popularity.
The global reach of Michael Jackson's music played a significant role in the spread of this catchphrase. While originally a part of Cameroonian musical heritage, its use in "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'" introduced it to millions worldwide, turning it into a recognizable and iconic phrase beyond its original cultural context. This phenomenon serves as an example of how elements of African music have influenced and been integrated into global pop culture.
In summary, the phrase "ma-ma-se ma-ma-sa ma-ma-ko-ssa" originated from Manu Dibango's 1972 Afro-funk hit "Soul Makossa." In its original context, it reflects African musical and dance traditions, carrying rhythmic and celebratory meaning. Michael Jackson's use of the chant in "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'" globalized the phrase, embedding it in mainstream pop music and broadening its cultural impact. The spread of this catchphrase demonstrates the power of music to transcend borders and cultural barriers, bringing people together through shared rhythms and melodies.
[1] Soul Makossa: The Original Version by Manu Dibango - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4Bm11iFvKs [2] Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' by Michael Jackson - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iG7FKr14NXc [3] The Story of 'Ma-ma-se, Ma-ma-sa, Ma-ma-ko-ssa' - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_xUWtCWQDg
- The incorporation of the catchy chant "ma-ma-se ma-ma-sa ma-ma-ko-ssa" in Michael Jackson's hit song "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'" not only showcases the influence of African music on pop culture, but also serves as an entertaining example of cultural fusion in the realm of music and pop-culture.
- The global popularity of "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'" propelled the catchphrase "ma-ma-se ma-ma-sa ma-ma-ko-ssa" into the realm of music and pop-culture history, ultimately becoming a recognized and iconic symbol of both African music and pop-culture at large.
