What is mama say mama sa mama coosa?

The phrase "mama say mama sa mama coosa" is a catchy line from the song "Soul Makossa" by Cameroonian saxophonist and musician Manu Dibango. Released in 1972, "Soul Makossa" is notable for its infectious groove and pioneering blend of Makossa—a popular Cameroonian music style—with jazz and funk elements.

The phrase gained broader international fame when Michael Jackson used a variation of it in his 1982 hit "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'" from the album "Thriller." Since then, it has been sampled and referenced by various artists in the music industry. While the phrase is catchy and rhythmic, it doesn't have a specific meaning and acts more as a rhythmic chant in the context of the songs.

In music culture, this kind of phonic or rhythmic phrase often serves to enhance the musical experience, creating an engaging hook that resonates with listeners, leading to its iconic status in pop and world music.