This word is of indeterminate origin that appears in the chorus of the song "Iko Iko," a folk song originally recorded by James "Sugar Boy" Crawford in the early 1950s. It may be a transliteration of any of the following:
the Bayou French phrase "chaque amour," meaning "all our love."
the language of Mobile Indians, from the phrase "ÄokÉma fehna" which meant "very good."
the Bambara (West African) phrase "Jakamo Fi Na Ye," meaning "The Black Cat is here."
the word "Jacouman," the name of a Yoruba spirit - this interpretation may be supported by other references to Yoruba/Voodoo/Hoodoo within the song.
Talkin' bout ey nah, ey nah
Iko iko an eh
Jockamo feeno ah na neh
Jockamo fee na neh
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