Iko Iko (My Bestie)
Barbara Ann Hawkins, Joan Marie Johnson and Rosalie Hawkins. Arranged for Flexible Band by Thibaut Bruniaux
This is a much-covered New Orleans song that tells of a parade collision between two tribes of Mardi Gras Indians and the traditional confrontation. The song first became popular in 1965 by the girl group the Dixie Cups, who scored an international hit with the song. In 1972, Dr. John had a minor hit with his version of "Iko Iko". In the UK, a version recorded by Scottish singer Natasha England in 1982 made it to the top 10. "Iko Iko" became an international hit twice more, the first being the Belle Stars in June 1982 and again with Captain Jack in 2001. An adaptation by Papua New Guinea artist Justin Wellington under the title "Iko Iko (My Bestie)" featuring the Solomon Island duo Small Jam became an international hit in 2021 after a successful TikTok challenge.