"Mandinka" is a song by Sinéad O'Connor from her 1987 album The Lion and the Cobra.[2]
"Mandinka" | ||||
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Single by Sinéad O'Connor | ||||
from the album The Lion and the Cobra | ||||
Released | 1 December 1987 | |||
Recorded | 1986–87 | |||
Genre | Indie rock, post-punk[1] | |||
Length | 3:46 | |||
Label | Chrysalis | |||
Songwriter(s) | Sinéad O'Connor | |||
Producer(s) | Sinéad O'Connor Kevin Mooney | |||
Sinéad O'Connor singles chronology | ||||
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Music video | ||||
"Mandinka" on YouTube | ||||
In an April 1988 interview with The Tech, O'Connor said: "Mandinkas are an African tribe. They're mentioned in a book called Roots by Alex Haley, which is what the song is about. In order to understand it you must read the book."[3]
AllMusic editor Stephen Thomas Erlewine described the song as "hard-rocking".[4] Steven Wells from NME stated that it is a "stark reminder that O'Connor is blessed with an amazing and unique voice".[5] Sal Cinquemani from Slant noted its "indie-rock splendor" in his review of The Lion and the Cobra.[6]
The single "Mandinka" also topped the dance chart. The single was a mainstream pop hit in the UK, peaking at number 17 on the UK Singles Chart, number 6 in O'Connor's native Ireland, number 24 in the Netherlands, number 26 in Belgium, number 18 in New Zealand, and number 39 in Australia.
The video for "Mandinka" was in heavy rotation after debuting 24 January 1988 in 120 Minutes on MTV.[7]
In 1988, O'Connor sang "Mandinka" on Late Night with David Letterman, which was her first US network television appearance. She also sang the song live at the 1989 Grammy Awards.[8]
Chart (1988) | Peak position |
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Australia (Australian Music Report)[9] | 39 |
Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders)[10] | 26 |
Canada Top Singles (RPM)[11] | 33 |
Europe (European Hot 100 Singles)[12] | 65 |
Ireland (IRMA)[13] | 6 |
Netherlands (Single Top 100)[14] | 24 |
New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)[15] | 18 |
UK Singles (OCC)[16] | 17 |
US Dance Club Songs (Billboard)[17] Remix |
14 |
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