“Skokiaan” took the world by storm several decades ago.  While it wasn’t strictly a #1 hit, there were so many versions out there that it was hard not to hear the song on radio.

“Skokiaan” was written by Rhodesian (Zimbabwean) musician August Musarurwa in 1954, and was covered by such diverse artists as Louis Armstrong, Perez Prado, Ray Anthony, Spike Jones (as “Japanese Skokiaan” with lyrics by Freddie Morgan), Bill Haley, and yes…Herb Alpert, whose recording landed him on the R&B charts for the first time.

The original recording is by a Rhodesian band called The African Dance Band of the Cold Storage Commission of Southern Rhodesia.  We have linked to this version of the track below for your enjoyment.

And…just what is “skokiaan?”  It is a type of bootleg alcoholic beverage, usually brewed within a day by someone at home.  So, take a few sips and give this a spin!