"Hey Mama" is the debut single by EXO-CBX, the first official sub-unit of the South Korean boy group EXO. It was released on October 31, 2016, by SM Entertainment as the title track of their debut extended playHey Mama!. The Japanese version of the song was released on May 24, 2017, along with their Japanese debut EP Girls by Avex Trax.
Background and release
"Hey Mama!" ("Mama" referring to an attractive woman) is described as a mixture of funk, disco, and pop.[1] The lyrics talk about enjoying parties to make it a special day. It was officially released on October 31, 2016.
"Hey Mama!" was choreographed by Kyle Hanagami, who had previously choreographed for Girls' Generation, After School, Red Velvet, and Blackpink. Its music video garnered 2 million views on YouTube within 9 hours after being released.
Music video
On October 25, 2016, a teaser for "Hey Mama!" music video was revealed by S.M. Entertainment. The music video was officially released on October 31, 2016.
The first part of the music video was Chen and Xiumin working in their tiny cubicles while Baekhyun is on the roof. He influenced the two to stop working and enjoy themselves. Then, they invaded a news room influencing more people to stop working. In the end, the members, along with some other working people are in the forest, camping, enjoying themselves. It also features backup dancers where they perform the choreography of the song with the trio in some scenes.[2]
Promotions
EXO-CBX performed "Hey Mama!" live for the first time at the promotional event for their debut EP Hey Mama! on October 31, 2016.[3]
On June 7, the group performed "Hey Mama!", the Japanese version on EXO-CBX "Colorful BoX" Free Showcase.[9]
On August 26, 2017, EXO-CBX performed the Japanese version of "Hey Mama!" on a-nation concert in Japan.[10]
Reception
The song reached the top of six South Korean real-time music charts shortly after its release, with the other songs following behind.[11] It also reached number one on the iTunes charts in 7 countries, including South Korea, Peru, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, Hong Kong and Brunei, as well as number two in Taiwan and Indonesia.