Miriam Makeba, Pata Pata | 1 Hit WONDERful

In the 34th edition of 1 Hit WONDERful (2024), we highlight “Pata Pata” performed by South African singer, songwriter, and activist, Miriam Makeba. 

It only takes ONE hit to solidify a musical legacy 💯! On 1 Hit WONDERful, we highlight songs that were the SOLE hit by a given musician.  It is possible that the artists appearing on this list earned a minor hit or two, BUT for the most part, that ONE hit earned them recognition. So, in the 34^th edition of 1 Hit WONDERful (2024), we dive into “Pata Pata”,  the one-hit wonder by South African singer, songwriter, and activist Miriam Makeba.

“‘Pata Pata’ is the name of the dance / We do down Johannesburg way,” the late, great South African singer, songwriter, and activist Miriam Makeba (1932 – 2008) asserts.  The first African singer to win a Grammy adds, “And everybody starts to move / As soon as Pata Pata starts to play.” From the first time you hear it, “Pata Pata” (“Touch Touch”) is infectious. She released her most popular recording of the classic in 1967, though it was first released in 1959.  The 1967 version from her ‘67 LP, Pata Pata, peaked at no. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100.  This was Makeba’s sole pop hit, making her a ‘one-hit wonder.’  It’s an incredibly awesome one-hit wonder though!

To reiterate, “Pata Pata” is infectious – engaging the first time it enters your listening rotation.  It is among the internationally best-known African songs. Makeba possessed a distinctly beautiful instrument.  Furthermore, she infused ample personality and expression into her performance.  Most lyrics are in Xhosa, but sans comprehension of the language, the song remains endearing and sounds fun and joyful.  The lyrics aren’t deep – it is a song about a dance – but they don’t need to be. Arwa Haider asserts “‘Pata Pata’ captures a subversive joy, a sense of indefatigable human spirit,” adding, “Pata Pata may not have been her own favourite anthem, but it somehow embodies her grace and strength, and that of the culture she kept with her.” Notably, Makeba was exiled from her native country in 1959. She lived in the United States, Guinea, and Brussels, Belgium. Jerry Rogovoy co-wrote and produced the beloved track. The rhythm section is tight, providing superb accompaniment for this jubilant number.  The percussion is one of the best features.  “Pata Pata” is ICONIC.

Miriam Makeba // Pata Pata // !K7 // 1967

Miriam Makeba, Pata Pata: 1 Hit WONDERful No. 34 (2024) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; !K7; Elias Souza from Pexels; OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay]