Conga (song)

"Conga"
Song
B-side	"Mucho Money"

"Conga" is the first hit single released by the American band Miami Sound Machine led by Gloria Estefan on their second English language album, and ninth overall, Primitive Love. The song was written by the band's drummer and lead songwriter Enrique Garcia. The single was first released in 1985.

Background

The single was released in 1985 (see 1985 in music) and became a worldwide hit, reaching #10 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and winning the Grand Prize at the 15th annual "Tokyo Music Festival" in Japan.

The single was certified Gold by the RIAA in the U.S. for shipments of 500,000 copies.

"Conga" was re-recorded as a new remix in 2001, including samples of "Dr. Beat" and "Rhythm Is Gonna Get You" and was released on Estefan's fourth compilation album. This new song was released as a promo single in Spain and titled "Y-Tu-Conga."

Commercial performance

"Conga" became a worldwide success and is recognized as the Miami Sound Machine and Gloria Estefan's signature song. The single reached the top ten in various countries, including the United States and the Netherlands. The song was a minor hit in the United Kingdom, where the attention was based more on the single "Bad Boy". In Billboard magazine's year-end chart in 1986, "Conga" finished at #40.

Music video

The video is set in the New York City night club "Copacabana", hosting a reception for an unspecified ambassador. After a piano rendition, the Miami Sound Machine is announced as the next featured act (though Gloria insists the setting is not appropriate for the song.) The more upbeat song becomes a hit.

Cover versions

• Charo, in her 1988 concert at Bally's in Reno.
• La Toya Jackson, in her 1989 concert at Bally's in Reno.
• The Barrio Boyzz, on the 1993 album Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack.
• Sammi Cheng, a Hong Kong female singer, in her 2009-2010 tour Love Mi.
• George Lam, a Hong Kong male singer, into single 阿Lam日記, in his 1986 album 最愛.
• Japanese Guitarists Issei Noro of Casiopea, Masahiro Andoh of T-Square, and Hirokuni Korekata of KORENOS, As a band called Ottottrio, covered "Conga" on their Live Album, "Super Guitar Session Red Live", released in 1989.
• The Chipettes covered this song for the Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked: Music from the Motion Picture album and for the "Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked" film. This version is mashed with Yolanda Be Cool featuring DCUP's "We No Speak Americano".
• The Broadway cast of On Your Feet! sing "Conga" during Act 1.

Usage in media

• The song was used in the movie Three Men and a Baby.
• In 1986, Kids Incorporated sang "Conga" in the Season 3 episode "Stacy and the Clown".
• In 1995, Old El Paso used the song to promote the new Fat Free Refried Beans.
• The song was used in the Magnum, P.I. TV episode "Pleasure Principle"
• The song was used in the Futurama episode "Anthology of Interest 2", during Bender's segment.
• The song was used in The Birdcage starring Robin Williams.
• A cover version by The Barrio Boyzz was used in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III, starring Paige Turco.
• The song was used in the movie Drop Dead Gorgeous (film).
• In 1991, Gloria Estefan performed the song with the entire cast of Sesame Street.
• The song was used in the intro of the Macy's 89th annual thanksgiving parade intro (performed by the cast of On Your Feet!).

Formats and track listings

Original versions

1. "Conga" (album version) – 4:14
2. "Conga" (dance mix) – 6:06
3. "Conga" (instrumental version) – 4:14

Remixes

1. "Conga" (European remix/the stronga-conga remix) – 4:24
2. "Conga 25" – 3:58

U.S. vinyl 7" single (34 05457)

1. "Conga" (album version)
2. "Mucho Money" (album version)

U.S. vinyl 12" single (49 05253)

1. "Conga" (dance mix)
2. "Conga" (instrumental version)

Europe vinyl 12" single (A12.6361)

1. "Conga" (dance mix)
2. "Conga" (instrumental version)
3. "Mucho Money" (album version)

Holland vinyl 7" single (650060 7)

1. "Conga" (European remix/the stronga-conga remix)
2. "Mucho Money" (album version)

Charts

Weekly charts

Chart (1985-1986)	Peak position
Australia (Kent Music Report)	37
Canada (RPM)	1
Spain (AFYVE)	1
UK Singles (The Official Charts Company)	79
U.S. Billboard Hot 100	10
U.S. Billboard Hot Black Singles	60
U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Club Play	7
U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Singles Sales	1

Certifications

Region	Certification	Certified units/sales
Canada (Music Canada)	Gold	50,000^
United States (RIAA)	Gold	500,000^
^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

Release history

Region	Date
Europe	September 3, 1985 (1985-09-03)
United States	October 31, 1985 (1985-10-31)
United Kingdom	December 6, 1985 (1985-12-06)

External links

• Template:MetroLyrics song