What DOES saoko mean
Saoko or Saoco is a word that cannot be found in the dictionary. It’s a famous slang word used to describe a great Salsa song. Saoko have been used many times by singers in their improvisations. Most of Saoko’s spelling is done with c, but I wanted to use Saoko with a k because of the following. ‘Saoko Orquesta’ was the name of the band my neighborhood friends created back in the early 80’s in Cabimas, Venezuela. Since I have fond memories of the era, I decided to name myself DJ Saoko.
I remember telling my friends, who were members of Saoko Orquestra, “Hey, I will carry the instruments for free, but hook me up for that party so, I can get in.” That’s how I heard for the first time, for example, their version of “ El Pio Pio” by La Sonora Ponceña or “Sedante de Rumba” by Eddie Palmieri.
For the people of Puerto Rico, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Colombia, Venezuela, Panama, United States, where the Latin rhythms have been heard, since the 1930’s: Saoko is a known word that can describe flavor in the music, good rhythm, great song, killer tune, and other adjectives intended to describe something good in a Salsa song. Also, used to describe somebody who dances well or the skills a salsa singer has for singing Salsa. In conclusion, it means something good.
I remember back in high school when I started going out to parties. A popular way to request a good Salsa song from the DJ was “Hey DJ please play a Salsa with Saoco…” A chorus of a popular song back then, “Tiene Saoco”, by El Trabuco Venezolano was “ Esa niche tiene Saoco…” got stuck in my head for a long time.
There are other songs whose title contains the word Saoco, such as:
· “Tiene Saoco” by Orlando Marin
· “Saoco” by Cortijo y su Combo
· “Saoco” by La Sonora Ponceña
Also many singers and artist have used the expression “Saoco” in their songs. Some examples:
· “Dale Saoco “, at the beginning of Rafael Labasta’s version of “La toalla”
· At the end of “Guaguanco de vida” by Felix Caraballo y la Preferida, they sing “Que yo te traigo el Saoco, Que yo te traigo el Saoco……”
· “Mulata yo tengo Saoco y quiero bembe” from Ray Barreto’s song “Arrepientete”
· “Lo que pasa es sin mi Saoco no pueden vivir” by Héctor Lavoe in his song “Vamos a reir un poco” .
