It’s Been Two Decades Since Las Ketchup Released ‘Aserejé’ And People Are Still Dancing to It
Mira lo que se avecina a la vuelta de la esquina… it is another installment of Where Are They Now!
Who is to forget the early 2000s with its denim everything and baguette bags? Many of us had the opportunity to live this memorable decade. Others learned of it by familiares who reminisce about it often.
And what most has stuck with us throughout the years is definitely the music of the 2000s. It’s no surprise that “Aserejé” is a unique example of 2000s nostalgia and virality throughout the 21st century!
A tune minted into every Millennial’s hippocampus
Over the last two decades, summer hits have come and gone, but Las Ketchup’s debut single remains. Released in June 2002, this song took the world by storm.
With its infectious melody and catchy chorus, “Aserejé” quickly climbed the music charts, ranking at number one in multiple European countries and breaking into Billboard’s Hot 100. Even though the track was a blazing hit, its success was not without problems throughout the years.
For one, our moms and tias collectively clutched their pearls as conspiracy theories spread that this song induced young people to worship Satan. This collective response was prompted because of an email chain that suggested that the song was an homage to the Devil and invited its listeners “a ser herejes.”
Such was this negative response that it was banned throughout Honduras and a Mexican radio station! However, Manuel Ruiz — the songwriter of the hit song — came forward to denounce “the Satanic panic” around “Aserejé.” He clarified that he was inspired by Sugarhill Gang’s “Rapper’s Delight,” an admission that brought another major issue to the Cordoban sisters.
Las Ketchup faced legal action from Sugarhill Gang, but they came out victorious
Upon hearing the similarities to “Rapper’s Delight,” Sugarhill Gang filed a lawsuit against Las Ketchup in Madrid’s commercial court. The trailblazing hip-hop argued that “Aserejé” was infringing upon their intellectual property and were looking for Las Ketchup to cease and desist their performance of the song.
Ultimately, the court found no legal basis behind Sugarhill Gang’s argument and gave the following decision at a January 2010 proceeding: “The ‘Aserejé’ was not plagiarism.”
“Aserejé” keeps bringing audiences to their feet
Since then, Las Ketchup continue entertaining audiences worldwide with “Aserejé.” They have sung their hit along with other songs from their catalog at festivals such as Sweden’s Melodifestivalen and México’s Pa’l Norte.
Last year, they finished out a 20th anniversary tour of “Aserejé!” Meanwhile, fascination around the song continues as a whole new generation is captivated by “Aserejé” through its saturation on new media such as TikTok.
While Las Ketchup were in the midst of their 20th anniversary tour, #asereje became a TikTok trend. The song made the top five TikTok videos totaling over 6 million likes. Additionally, as of last month, it has gone viral again due to TikToker and DJ Maydar’s house remix.
As seen, social media platforms have become breeding grounds for viral trends and nostalgia. With summer right around the corner, seeing “Aserejé” trending even more would be no surprise! But for now, we can appreciate how Las Ketchup have played into this tune’s enduring popularity.
