Mandinka (song)


"Mandinka" is a song by Sinéad O'Connor from her 1987 album The Lion and the Cobra. O'Connor drew inspiration from diverse sources, including her Irish heritage, Leonard Cohen, punk rock, and hip-hop.

Background

In an April 1988 interview with The Tech, O'Connor said: "Mandinkas are an African tribe. They're mentioned in a book called by Alex Haley, which is what the song is about. In order to understand it you must read the book."

Critical reception

editor Stephen Thomas Erlewine described the song as "hard-rocking". Sal Cinquemani from Slant noted its "indie-rock splendor" in his review of The Lion and the Cobra.

Chart performance

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.

Music video

The video for "Mandinka" was in heavy rotation after debuting 24 January 1988 in 120 Minutes on MTV.

Live performances

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.

Charts