Skokiaan
Bill Haley · Other Songs - Bill Haley
Oh- far away in Africa
[Please note, all oh are drawn out]
Happy, happy Africa
They sing bingo bango bingo
They have a ball and really go
Skokiaan
Oh take a trip to Africa
Any ship to Africa
Come on along and learn the lingo
Beside a jungle bungalow
Skokiaan
Hot drums are drumming
Or hot strings are strumming, and warm lips are blissful
They're kissful of Skokiaan
Oh when you go to Africa
Happy, happy Africa
You linga longa like a King-o
Right in a jungle bungalow
Skoki, skoki, skoki Skokiaan
Okee dokee anybody can
Skoki, skoki man oh man oh man
You sing a bingo bango bingo
In hokey pokey skokiaan
Skokiaan
Oh ho far away in Africa
Happy, happy Africa
They singa bingo bango bingo
They have a ball and really go
Oh ho take a trip to Africa, any ship to Africa
Come on along and learn the lingo, beside a jungle bungalow
Hot drums are drumming, or hot strings are strumming
And warm lips are blissful, they're kissful of skokiaan
Oh-if you go to Africa, happy, happy Africa
You linga longa like a king-o
Right in a jungle bungalow
Skokiaan, skokiaan, skokiaan, skokiaan,
Oh-right in a jungle bungalow
Oh-skokiaan!
Skokiaan
Bill Haley's recording of Skokiaan captures the energetic spirit of early rock and roll through a vibrant adaptation of a South African folk song. Originally a popular Zulu work song, the track was transformed by Haley into a driving rhythm that highlighted his band's signature sound. This recording stands as a testament to the genre's ability to absorb and reinterpret global influences, showcasing Haley's knack for turning international melodies into American hits. The song remains a notable song in his extensive catalogue, reflecting the dynamic cross-cultural exchanges that defined the mid-twentieth century music scene. Its enduring appeal lies in the infectious beat and the seamless fusion of traditional roots with the emerging rock style.