Bongo Bong


"Bongo Bong" is the first solo single by Manu Chao, from his debut album, Clandestino. It is a remake of "King of Bongo", a track from Manu Chao's previous band, Mano Negra. The title and lyrics are taken from the 1939 jazz song "King of Bongo Bong" by Black American trumpeter Roy Eldridge. It also uses the background music from Black Uhuru's song "Bull ina di Pen", from their 1984 album, Anthem. The song is part of a medley with "Je ne t'aime plus" on Clandestino. Moreover, the music has been reused for other songs, such as "Mr. Bobby", which was first released on this single before being re-recorded for Chao's second album, Próxima Estación: Esperanza, and "Homens", from the same record.
The song is about a bongo player from the Congo.

Track listing

;European CD single
  1. "Bongo Bong" – 2:38
  2. "Je ne t'aime plus" – 2:02
  3. "Mr. Bobby" – 2:57
  4. "Mentira..." – 4:37
  5. "Bienvenido a Tijuana" – 2:43
;European maxi-CD single
  1. "Bongo Bong" – 2:38
  2. "Je ne t'aime plus" – 2:02
  3. "Mr. Bobby" – 2:57
  4. "Bienvenido a Tijuana" – 2:43

    Charts

Weekly charts

Year-end charts

Chart Position
Austria 38
Europe Border Breakers 9
Germany 57
Switzerland 97

Certifications

Robbie Williams version

In 2006, English singer Robbie Williams recorded a version of the song that combined "Bongo Bong" with "Je ne t'aime plus", which appeared on his 2006 album, Rudebox. It was released as a single of its own in 2007. The track was produced by Mark Ronson and included vocals by Lily Allen.

Track listing

;European CD single
  1. "Bongo Bong and Je ne t'aime plus" – 4:48
  2. "Lovelight" – 6:25

    Personnel