"Pookie" is a song recorded by French and Malian singer Aya Nakamura. It was released as a single on 10 April 2019 through the labels Rec. 118 and Parlophone, as the fourth single from her second studio album, Nakamura (2018). The song's title derives from French slang, where "pookie" (pronounced [puki]) is a term for "snitch."
Background and release
"Pookie" was written by Aya Nakamura, Archibald Smith, Le Side, and Ever Mihigo, and produced by Aloïs Zandry and Vladimir Boudnikoff. The song was recorded in 2018. Its music video, directed by Vladimir Boundnikoff, was released in April 2019. Two remix versions were subsequently released: one featuring American rapper Lil Pump and another featuring Italian rapper Capo Plaza.
Commercial performance
"Pookie" achieved notable chart success across several European markets. It peaked at number 5 on the French SNEP singles chart and reached number 2 on the Italian FIMI Singles Chart, aided by the Capo Plaza remix. The song also reached the top ten in Belgium (Wallonia), peaking at number 9 on the Ultratop 50, and charted in the Netherlands, Sweden, and Switzerland.
Certifications
The song received multiple certifications across various regions, including Diamond certification in France (333,333 units), 3× Platinum in Belgium and Italy, and Platinum in Canada.
Charts
Weekly chart peaks included:
- France (SNEP): 5
- Italy (FIMI): 2
- Belgium (Ultratop 50 Wallonia): 9
- Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders): 18
- Netherlands (Single Tip): 2
- Sweden Heatseeker: 14
- Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade): 55
The song also re-entered the French chart in 2024, peaking at number 105.
