Zungguzungguguzungguzeng was “just a slang” that came to King Yellowman when he was in the studio and heard the rhythm and it has since catapulted to a mega-hit.
40 years later and Yellowman is basking in its success. He says he instantly made the song which was “just a vibe” in 1982.
Zunggu zungguguzungguzeng is seen as one of dancehall’s biggest songs, Yellowman delivers in freestyle touching on several topics saying “If you have a start, you must have an end”, and even talking about having 110 girlfriends who bear his yellow babies.
Throughout the song, he says “You nuh fi call yellow man no boy” and that’s exactly the reality, as the now 67-year-old icon, is still able to take any audience on a journey of real vibes as seen Sunday at Reggae for Breakfast where he electrified hope gardens.
The instrumental for “Zungguzungguguzungguzeng”, is on the “Diseases” riddim produced by “Junjo” Lawes, and has been sampled by several entertainers, including Tupac, Queen Latifah, Junior Mafia, Buju Banton, Vybz Kartel and was even remixed by Beenie Man in 2020.
The single was then followed by the Long Play (LP) which is longer than Extended Play (EP) – in vinyl was called Zungguzungguguzungguzeng.
To this day, the project is highly appreciated and has a freestyle rub-a-dub, rock steady, and an infusion of reggae and dancehall.
Via Spotify alone, the song has been streamed 37 million times.
Yellowman whose real name is Winston Foster received the Order of Distinction in the rank of Officer in 2018 for his musical contribution.
Arguably he is one of Dancehall’s greatest deejays and has recorded over 75 albums.
