Aserejé (The Ketchup Song) (spanish version)
Las Ketchup
Unraveling the Rhythmic Enigma of 'Aserejé' by Las Ketchup
The song 'Aserejé,' also known as 'The Ketchup Song,' performed by the Spanish pop group Las Ketchup, became a global phenomenon in the early 2000s. The catchy tune and its accompanying dance moves took the world by storm, but the song's lyrics, particularly the chorus, left many listeners puzzled. The song tells the story of a character named Diego, who is deeply influenced by the rhythm of a song that plays at midnight, described as 'el ritmo ragatanga.' The lyrics paint a picture of Diego's carefree spirit and his love for dancing to his favorite song, which the DJ plays just for him.
The chorus of 'Aserejé' features nonsensical words that seem to have no direct translation or meaning. This gibberish is actually a play on the lyrics of the 1979 Sugarhill Gang song 'Rapper's Delight,' specifically the line 'I said a hip hop the hippie the hippie to the hip hip hop.' The words in 'Aserejé' mimic the sound of the original line when pronounced with a Spanish accent, creating a catchy and memorable hook that resonates with listeners regardless of language barriers.
Culturally, 'Aserejé' taps into a universal love for music and dance, transcending linguistic limitations and inviting everyone to join in the fun. The song's upbeat tempo and infectious rhythm embody the spirit of celebration and joy. Las Ketchup, a group composed of sisters from Spain, managed to create a song that, despite its seemingly nonsensical lyrics, encourages people to let loose, dance, and embrace the moment, much like the character Diego in the song.