Akon, Bananza (Belly Dancer) | Bangerz N Bopz 🔥

In the 48^th edition of Bangerz N Bopz 🔥 (2024), we highlight “Bananza (Belly Dancer)” performed by Senegalese American musician, Akon. 

Bring on the bold, fierce songs! Bangerz N Bopz 🔥 serves up background info and insight into songs of various styles, especially songs that raise eyebrows and/or stir the pot.  Featured records can be classic or brand new. In the 48^th edition of Bangerz N Bopz 🔥 (2024), we break down “Bananza (Belly Dancer)” performed by Akon.

“Yo excuse me beg your pardon girl / Do you have any idea what you startin’ girl?” Trouble. Of course, Senegalese American singer, songwriter, and producer Akon doesn’t yield to temptation.  Instead, he embraces her naughtiness.  He continues singing the first verse of “Bananza (Belly Dancer)”, “You got me tinglin’ come to me minglin’ / Steppin’ off lookin’ bootylicious and jinglin’.” Oh, snap! The innuendo is ripe on this gem from his 2004 album, Trouble.  Akon penned “Belly Dancer” with Lynval Golding, Neville Staples, and Terence Edward Hall. He produced the top-40, gold-certified pop hit, which peaked at no. 30 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2005.

“Bananza (Belly Dancer)” is a surefire vibe. The blend of African music, R&B, and hip-hop is part of its charm. It features infectious rhythms and grooves from the beginning.  Akon’s distinct vocals and personality are a big reason for the song’s success.  He brings ample swagger without breaking a sweat; he never forces things.  Even when he’s turned on, he keeps it chill: “So stand by like a butty pass / While I watch this beautiful thing shake that ass.” Woo! Obsessed with her ass, Akon adds, “And now you got me spendin’ (uh huh) / The way you got that body bendin’ (uh huh) / Ass like that girl you gotta be kickin’ / Have me goin’ to church next day repentin’.” Hallelujah! He loves how it jiggles and he encourages her to do so in all directions. That compass action, baby! Anyways, the chorus is the sugar honey iced tea – inescapable:

“Hey ladies drop it down

Just want to see you touch the ground

Don’t be shy girl go bananza

Shake ya body like a belly dancer.”

Trouble had bigger hits – “Locked Up” and “Lonely” were top-10 hits – but “Bananza (Belly Dancer)” is sick too (in the most positive way possible).

Akon // Trouble // Universal / UMG Recordings, Inc. // 2004

Akon, Bananza (Belly Dancer): Bangerz N Bopz 🔥 No. 48 (2024) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Universal / UMG Recordings, Inc.; cottonbro studio, Harry Shelton, Kool Shooters, Lucas Pazeta, Mavluda Tashbaeva, Teddy Yang, Wesley Souza from Pexels]