#15: “Pata Pata” – Miriam Makeba (1967)
“Pata Pata” became Miriam Makeba’s worldwide breakthrough in 1967, even though she’d been performing it for years. The song had been recorded once before in 1959, but the later version came with a pop-leaning arrangement and Makeba’s effortlessly joyful delivery.
provided by constative.com
“Pata” means “light touch” in Xhosa, and the lyrics describe a playful dance that moves with quick steps and cheerful energy.