Synopsis

A cassette tape carrying "Ya Mama" arrives in a small Caribbean market town, where its infectious rhythm quickly takes control of anyone who hears it. A bearded local discovers that the music triggers violent, involuntary shaking and wildly exaggerated dance movements. As the tape spreads, shopkeepers, police officers, bystanders and other townspeople lose control of their bodies, turning the entire community into a chaotic, synchronized spectacle. The madness culminates in a final burst of Fatboy Slim-style posing and movement.

Factoids & Trivia

• The video was Traktor's first music video, following the collective's work in advertising. Its approach was deliberately anarchic and heavily physical rather than built around conventional performance footage.

• It was filmed on Carriacou, an island in Grenada. The production constructed an entire market-town set, then destroyed it as part of the shoot.

• The initial idea reportedly involved people punching each other whenever the record played. The concept was changed to involuntary dancing and uncontrolled arm movements, which Norman Cook felt worked better as a joke and might inspire a new dance craze.

• "Ya Mama" is often called "Push the Tempo," although that phrase is taken from the song's repeated vocal hook rather than being its official title.

• The single was released as the double A-side "Song for Shelter"/"Ya Mama" on September 3, 2001. "Ya Mama" reached No. 30 on the UK Singles Chart and also appeared on the soundtrack to *Charlie's Angels*.

• The video received its world premiere on Brighton Beach on July 6, 2001, during Fatboy Slim's free outdoor concert for an audience of about 20,000 people.