In 1993, El Africano featured the hit single “Salta,” soon achieving platinum status in Argentina and Chile. 1994’s Al Palo came with a version of the classic tropical song “Mama Yo Quiero,” climbing Latin charts throughout America. In 2001, King Africa became a major number in Spain after issuing “La Bomba,” a catchy song made popular in the U.S. by Bolivian Azul Azul.

Then, in a risky marketing attempt, he pronounced his 2002 single “El Humahuaqueno” to be the next great novelty dance hit in America before its release, signing a deal with Burger King in a cross-promotional attempt for mainstream success.