Bamboléo

"Bamboléo" is an internationally famous Spanish language song made famous by The Gipsy Kings in 1987 appearing in their eponymous album. The writing credits are Tonino Baliardo, Chico Bouchikhi (J. Bouchikhi) and Nicolas Reyes and arrangements by Dominique Perrier.

The now iconic song has been a worldwide hit for the Gipsy Kings and has been covered by tens of artists. It has also been translated into a great number of languages. There are also instrumental arrangements, samplings and adaptations.

Since January 2014, "Bamboléo Wednesday" has become a feature on The Scott Mills Show on BBC Radio 1 in the United Kindgom, which involves the playing of the record. In particular, the so-titled "clappy bit" is instrumental in the regular feature.

Origin

The word bamboléo means "swaying" in Spanish. The song's refrain says: "Bamboléo, Bamboléa, Porque mi vida yo la prefiero vivir asi." Which translates to: "Swaying, swaying, because I prefer to live my life this way."

Part of the song is an adaptation of a Venezuelan classic folk song called Caballo viejo composed by Simon Diaz. The definitive refrain of "Bamboleo" is Brazilian and was performed by Brazilian (Portuguese ) Carmen Miranda. Julio Iglesias famously performed it as "Caballo Viejo (Bamboleo)".