Iko Iko (my Bestie) Michael Chang Remix - Justin Wellington Feat. Small Jam May 2026
The song exploded in 2021 through the #ikoikochallenge , a dance trend where pairs or groups perform synchronized moves to the "My bestie and your bestie" chorus.
The song's core chant dates back to James "Sugar Boy" Crawford's 1953 song "Jock-A-Mo" , which was about a confrontation between two tribes of Mardi Gras Indians in New Orleans. Notable Lyrics in this Version The song exploded in 2021 through the #ikoikochallenge
The Wellington version—including the Michael Chang remix—features English lyrics that emphasize friendship and celebration: Justin Wellington, an artist from Papua New Guinea
Michael Chang, known for his high-energy DJ edits often tailored for dance trends. The Story Behind "Iko Iko (My Bestie)" The
Justin Wellington, an artist from Papua New Guinea , released his version in 2017 with the Solomon Islands duo Small Jam . He updated the lyrics to focus on "besties" and dancing, turning a traditional "war" chant into a tropical party anthem.
This version leans into the "DJ Remix" and "Summer Hits" aesthetic, featuring a more pronounced electronic beat and faster tempo compared to the reggae-fusion original. The Story Behind "Iko Iko (My Bestie)"
The of " Iko Iko (My Bestie) " by Justin Wellington featuring Small Jam is a high-energy electronic reinterpretation of a 2017 island-pop track that became a massive global phenomenon in 2021. While Justin Wellington's original version was already an adaptation of the 1953 New Orleans classic "Jock-A-Mo," the various remixes helped propel it to over 1 million TikTok uploads and millions of daily streams. Key Details of the Remix Artist: Justin Wellington feat. Small Jam.