Name That Tune: Malaysian cha-cha slide

June 25, 2017 10:53 PM

When I was out in Kuching, Malaysia, I heard a song in what sounded like Malay (or maybe Bahasa Indonesia?) I don't think it was English or an easily recognizable Western language. Almost every local seemed to know the words and, the second night I heard it, they did a cha cha slide-like dance to it that involved stepping forward and back and then turning 90 degrees. The other distinctive feature of the song is a "hoooooooo HA!" phrase that repeats.

In this phrase, the "ho" (pronounced "hoe") is drawn out and goes slightly up in pitch and then there's a big loud lower "ha!" I've tried Googling to no avail, does anyone have any idea what the song is? Can provide audio if necessary.

posted by that silly white dress to Society & Culture (1 answer total)

Please do provide audio! I won't be able to place it myself, but I work in the language biz and have access to a roomful of music nerds from around the world. Chances are pretty that I can get one of 'em to name that tune for you.
posted by BrunoLatourFanclub at 10:08 AM on June 26, 2017