Las Ketchup and “The Ketchup Song”: the summer hit that got everyone dancing
Few songs capture the carefree spirit of early-2000s pop quite like “The Ketchup Song (Aserejé)”. Released in 2002 by Spanish group Las Ketchup, the infectious track became an international hit, carried by its catchy chorus and a dance routine that seemed to be everywhere.
Who are Las Ketchup?
Las Ketchup are sisters Lucía, Lola and Pilar Muñoz. They came from Córdoba in Andalusia, Spain, and were introduced to a global audience with their debut single, “Aserejé”. The song appeared on their debut album, Hijas del Tomate, and quickly travelled far beyond Spain.
What does “Aserejé” mean?
The chorus sounds like a string of playful, made-up words, but it has a story behind it. The lyrics describe a character called Diego arriving at a nightclub and trying to sing along to “Rapper’s Delight” by the Sugarhill Gang. He cannot remember the words, so he sings them as he hears them — giving listeners the famously phonetic “Aserejé” refrain.
That connection is easy to miss if you do not know the original rap, which helped make the chorus all the more intriguing. Despite occasional rumours about hidden meanings, the song’s lyrics tell a light-hearted story about a man enjoying a night out and trying to join in with a familiar tune.
A dance that took over the summer
The song’s success was about more than its melody. Its simple, lively choreography made it a natural choice for parties, school discos and dance floors. The hand movements were easy to follow, and the repeated chorus made it hard not to join in.
“The Ketchup Song” topped charts in countries around the world and became one of the defining pop hits of 2002. Its mix of Spanish lyrics, an instantly recognisable hook and an easy-to-copy dance gave it broad appeal, even among listeners who did not understand every word.
A lasting pop-culture favourite
More than two decades on, “The Ketchup Song” remains a familiar party favourite. Its playful sound and dance routine bring back the bright, unabashed pop of the early 2000s — and show how a song sung in one language can become a global singalong.
Las Ketchup’s ‘The Ketchup Song’: 5 Fun Facts and Dance Tips
- Las Ketchup are a Spanish sister trio.
- Their hit is called “The Ketchup Song (Aserejé)”.
- It became a worldwide hit in 2002.
- Learn the simple hand moves in the chorus.
- The lyrics playfully echo “Rapper’s Delight”.
Las Ketchup are a Spanish sister trio.
Las Ketchup are a Spanish sister trio from Córdoba, Andalusia, made up of Lucía, Lola and Pilar Muñoz. They shot to international fame in 2002 with “The Ketchup Song (Aserejé)”, a playful pop hit whose catchy chorus and easy-to-follow dance made it a favourite at parties and discos around the world.
Their hit is called “The Ketchup Song (Aserejé)”.
Las Ketchup’s best-known hit is called “The Ketchup Song (Aserejé)”. Released in 2002, the lively track became a worldwide favourite thanks to its catchy chorus, playful sound and easy-to-follow dance.
It became a worldwide hit in 2002.
Las Ketchup’s “The Ketchup Song (Aserejé)” became a worldwide hit in 2002, topping charts and filling dance floors across the globe. Its catchy chorus and easy-to-follow dance helped it reach listeners well beyond Spain, making it one of the most memorable pop songs of the early 2000s.
Learn the simple hand moves in the chorus.
Learn the simple hand moves in the chorus and you’ll be ready to join in when “The Ketchup Song” comes on. The routine is lively, easy to pick up and even more fun with a group, so follow the beat, copy the gestures and don’t worry about getting every move perfect.
The lyrics playfully echo “Rapper’s Delight”.
The lyrics of “The Ketchup Song” playfully echo “Rapper’s Delight” by the Sugarhill Gang. In the song’s story, Diego tries to sing along to the rap but remembers the sounds rather than the exact words, inspiring the catchy, nonsense-sounding “Aserejé” chorus.