It's a phrase that pops up in countless conversations, often accompanied by a shrug and a bewildered look. You've likely heard it, perhaps even sung it, especially if you're a fan of Michael Jackson's iconic "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'". That catchy, almost nonsensical chant that closes out the song – "mamase mamasa mamakusa" – has baffled listeners for decades. Is it a foreign language? A misheard lyric? The truth, as it turns out, is a bit more nuanced, and perhaps a little less exotic than many assume.
Many people hear different things when that part of the song kicks in. Some recall "mama sa cudae," others "mama say mama sa mamakusa," or even just "mamasai mamakusa." It’s easy to get lost in the phonetic labyrinth, especially with Jackson's signature vocalizations. However, the official lyrics, as noted in the album liner notes, offer a clue: "ma...". This suggests that the phrase isn't a complete, coherent sentence from a known language, but rather a vocalization, a rhythmic sound designed to propel the song forward.
Digging a little deeper, we find that "mama" itself is a universally recognized, albeit informal, term for 'mother' in many cultures, including English and Japanese. This is confirmed by dictionaries, which list "mama" as a child's word for mother. But what about the rest? The "se," "sa," and "kusa" parts? These don't readily translate into a meaningful phrase in any major language. Instead, they function more like percussive sounds, syllables that fit the rhythm and energy of the music.
It's common for artists, especially in genres like funk and R&B, to incorporate scatting or vocal improvisations that don't necessarily have literal meanings. These sounds are chosen for their sonic quality, their ability to create a groove, and their impact on the overall feel of the track. In the context of "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'," the "mamase mamasa mamakusa" section serves as a powerful, almost tribalistic outro, a vocal crescendo that leaves a lasting impression.
Interestingly, the phrase has also appeared in other musical contexts, sometimes attributed to different artists or used in ways that suggest a similar lack of definitive meaning. For instance, some Finnish rap lyrics have been noted to include "Mamase mamasa mamakusa," further highlighting its potential as a flexible, rhythmic element rather than a fixed linguistic phrase. The reference material points to a song by Uniikki, Hookki-Heikk1, and Mg where the line appears, suggesting it might have been adopted or adapted within certain music scenes.
So, while you might have imagined it was a secret code or an ancient incantation, the "mamase mamasa mamakusa" of Michael Jackson's hit is likely a brilliant piece of vocal artistry. It's a testament to the power of sound and rhythm, a collection of syllables chosen for their musicality rather than their dictionary definition. It’s the kind of hook that sticks with you, even if you can't quite explain why.
