Mama Look at Bubu
"Mama Look at Bubu" is a song written by Trinidadian calypsonian Lord Melody, and performed by Harry Belafonte featuring Bob Corwin's Orchestra & Chorus featuring Millard Thomas, Franz Casseus and Victor Messer on guitars. Although Belafonte gets co-writing credit on his 1957 release, the song first appeared on Lord Melody's single "Mama Look a Boo Boo" in 1955, and his debut album "Calypso Fiesta – Limbo In Trinidad" in 1956, with solo writing credit to Lord Melody.
First heard by Belafonte in the West Indies while filming "Island in the Sun", Boo Boo was an unprecedented hit in Trinidad, the land of calypso. The Belafonte version later swept the U.S. as well. Belafonte's cover reached #10 on the U.S. R&B chart and #11 on the U.S. pop chart in 1957. It was featured on his 1957 album The Versatile Mr. Belafonte.
Other versions
- Steve Karmen released a version of the song entitled "Mama Look-A Boo Boo" as a single in 1957, but it did not chart.
- Chubby Checker released a version of the song entitled "Mama Look a Boo Boo" on his 1963 album Let's Limbo Some More.
- Leftover Salmon released a version of the song entitled "Booboo" on their 1993 album Bridges to Bert.
- Charlie Gracie released a version of the song entitled "Mama Look a Boo Boo" on his 2002 album An Evening with Charlie Gracie which was recorded in 1998.
- A version by Nat King Cole entitled "Mama Look a Boo Boo" was released on his 2003 compilation album Remembering Nat King Cole.
- Karl Zéro and The Wailers released a version of the song on their 2004 album HiFi Calypso.