 03-11-2010, 5:23 AM
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iancully1
Joined on 03-11-2010
Posts 1
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![Cool [H]](/emoticons/emotion-11.gif)
Iko-Iko. Real origin/words/meaning revealed finally!
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My personal odyssey. The words of one of the greatest hit songs out of New Orleans - “Iko Iko” - have puzzled millions over the years. Remember them? "Iko Iko - Iko Iko an day - Jocomo fee no an dan day - Jocomo fee na nay."
Four months ago I decided to make it a personal project to establish the origin and meaning of the words. I never knew that my impulsive decision would lead me into relationships with some truly intriguing communities – Native American tribes, the few remaining Creole enclaves in Louisiana, Mandingo and Wollof contacts in Africa, noted University Professors, academics in Canada, the US and France, and acknowledged language professors!
Now, at last, I know where the lyrics come from, who wrote them, and when (19th century).
I’ve published my findings, and they make fascinating reading. All those artists who covered this song, as well as the three film soundtracks who used it, had no idea what they were singing!
If your attention span is short, you can view the story in a 3 minute clip on Youtube (type “iko iko meaning” into the searchbox) or you can read the historical data on ‘Iko Iko Wikipedia’ (use Google to find it).
If you have any comments you can drop me an email at ‘ian.cully10@gmail.com’).
Ian Cully
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