Zabadak! (song)
"Zabadak!" is a song by the British musical group Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick and Tich, written by Ken Howard and Alan Blaikley. It was released as a single in September 1967, peaking at number 3 on the UK Singles Chart and becoming the group's only single to chart on the "Billboard" Hot 100, peaking at number 52. The song uses pseudo-African style percussion (created in the studio by the group) and a nonsense lyric in its repetitive chorus, to highlight the meaning of its two verses (sung in English). This use of an African motif  was typical of the group's dabbling with other world styles of music, such as the Latin style of "Save Me" and the Greek style of "Bend It!" Reception. Reviewing for "New Musical Express", Derek Johnson described "Zabadak" as "loaded with appeal and yet completely different from anything they have previously waxed. The basic influences are a blend between Afro-Cuban and Peruvian Incan. Add to this a catchy and continually-repeated chorus, some very attractive counter-harmonies, a pulsing beat with throbbing conga drums, and a lush string section in the background – plus a haunting tune that nags at  the brain – and you've got a Hit". "Billboard" wrote that this "African flavored rhythm item has much of the feel of "Pata Pata". Track listing. 7": Fontana / TF 873 7": Star-Club / 148 595 STF (Germany)