1. A Mysterious Phrase That Became a Global Anthem
For millions of listeners around the world, the refrain “ma‑ma‑se, ma‑ma‑sa, ma‑ma‑coo‑sa” is etched in memory as a call to dance, a cry of mystery and unstoppable groove. But few realize it’s not just a catchy phonetic chant — it originated in Africa, long before Michael Jackson made it iconic in “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’”, the opening track of his 1982 album Thriller.
Its origin? A genius Cameroonian saxophonist, Manu Dibango, who composed the track “Soul Makossa” in 1973 — originally as a B-side to a sports anthem dedicated to the 8th African Cup of Nations and the Cameroon national team. Yet against all odds, the song soared. At the height of the disco era, it stormed New York clubs like The Loft, where David Mancuso played it on repeat, before breaking into the U.S. charts. In a time with no streaming or digital virality, it was a phenomenon: nearly 2 million copies sold in the U.S., over 50,000 in France despite being distributed for free, and nine weeks on the Billboard Hot 100.
2. Thriller: A Borrowed Beat?
When Michael Jackson used the phrase in “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’”, he didn’t credit or cite Dibango. Yet the resemblance was unmistakable. The phrase is nearly identical — except this time, it’s sung with the silky brilliance of the King of Pop. No longer just an African chant, it became a global mantra.
Manu Dibango filed a lawsuit. The case was settled out of court in 2007: Jackson agreed to pay compensation and gave Dibango approval rights over any future reuse of the phrase. A quiet but crucial form of recognition. Was the damage undone? Not quite.
3. Rihanna Reignites the Flame… Without Notice
In 2007, Rihanna revived the iconic hook in her global hit “Don’t Stop the Music”. This time, the sample was taken directly from Michael Jackson’s version — with his authorization, but without Dibango’s. Once again sidelined, the Cameroonian saxophonist sued Sony BMG, EMI, Warner, Jackson, and Rihanna, seeking €500,000 in damages.
The court acknowledged a violation of his rights — but dismissed the claim on the grounds that Dibango had already agreed to the earlier 2007 settlement. And so, the loop closed… or did it? The phrase keeps echoing across decades, clubs, and samples — yet few know where it truly came from.
So what did Michael Jackson mean to say? Perhaps the late King of Pop — and Rihanna in her own way — meant to honor the first African song to break into the American mainstream. And behind this phrase everyone chants without understanding, it’s the genius of Manu Dibango that still resonates.
