Da Coconut Nut Explained

"Da Coconut Nut" is a song composed by Filipino national artist Ryan Cayabyab for the band Smokey Mountain in 1991.^{[1] [2] [3]}

Composition

The song's lyrics describe the uses of the different parts of a coconut tree.^[2] Cayabyab, in an interview with ABS-CBN, said that the song was composed in the novelty style popularized by Yoyoy Villame, whom at times the song was incorrectly attributed to.^[4] The song borrows some melodies from Guy Lombardo's 1944 recording of "It's Love-Love-Love".

Performance

The song became part of the concert programs of choirs in United States after a deal in July 2008 allowed its publication in the choral arrangement in Randy Stenson's Santa Barbara Music Publishing of California catalogue and performed in the American Choral Directors National Convention. Stenson first heard the song performed by a Hawaiian choir.^[5] Cayabyab claimed that the song became popular among American choirs ever since.^[6]

In July 2017, when a video of the Baylor University School of Music Men's Choir performing the song before airline crew and passengers in Emirates Airlines' plane cabin became popular, the choir stated that it had been singing the song since 2010.^[7]

The song has been licensed for use for promotions featuring the coconut-based Malibu rum.^[8]

Reception

Khmer Times described the song as a "whimsical Filipino piece."^[9] Philippine Daily Inquirer editor Rito Asilo characterized the song as a "wackily irreverent novelty hit".^[10] When the song was performed during Barack Obama's visit to the Philippines, Rappler described the song as a "classic ditty".^[11]

Remakes

"Da Coconut Nut" was covered by the Filipino girl group Bini as their pre-debut single. It was released on November 20, 2020 as a digital single by Star Music.^[12] The single was intended to pay homage to Ryan Cayabyab.^[13]

Notes and References

1. Web site: 2017-07-22 . WATCH: Plane passengers go nuts over Ryan Cayabyab's 'Da Coconut Nut' . 2019-07-14 . ABS-CBN News.
2. Web site: U.S.-based choir performs Ryan Cayabyab's 'Da Coconut Nut' onboard plane. cnn. en. 2019-07-14. 25 May 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210525204621/https://cnnphilippines.com/entertainment/2017/07/22/us-mens-choir-sing-da-coconut-nut.html. dead.
3. Web site: Tribute concert set in honor of new National Artist Ryan Cayabyab . BusinessWorld. Charm. Neil. 10 January 2019 . en-US. 2019-07-14.
4. Web site: 2017-07-24 . Ryan Cayabyab reacts to viral 'Da Coconut Nut' video . 2019-07-14 . ABS-CBN News.
5. Web site: 'You wake up one day and a song you wrote nearly 30 years ago has 10 million+ views... Whut?!' — Ryan Cayabyab. GMA News Online. 26 July 2017 . en-US. 2019-07-14.
6. Web site: 2017-07-25 . Songwriter Ryan Cayabyab reacts to viral 'Da Coconut Nut' video . 2019-07-15 . Coconuts . en-US.
7. Web site: Ryan Cayabyab reacts to viral 'Da Coconut Nut' clip by US choir. 2017-07-25. Inquirer Lifestyle. en-US. 2019-07-14.
8. News: Olivares . Rick . 50 years of Ryan Cayabyab: 'It's the most exciting time for Filipino music' . October 27, 2020 . ABS-CBN News . August 30, 2020 . en.
9. Web site: 2019-06-13 . Melodies by the Mekong . 2019-07-15 . Khmer Times . en-US.
10. Web site: Asilo . Rito P. . Ryan Cayabyab at 60–a gift that keeps on giving . 2019-07-14 . entertainment.inquirer.net . 10 May 2014 . en.
11. Web site: Obama's PH dinner: Who's performing? What's on the menu? . 2019-07-15 . Rappler . 28 April 2014 . en.
12. Web site: WATCH: BINI's "Da Coconut Nut" Official Music Video BINI TV. 2020-12-04. ent.abs-cbn.com.
13. Web site: GO NUTS OVER THE NEWEST P-POP GIRL GROUP BINI. 2021-03-16. myx.global. 6 November 2020 .