# Voodoo People

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1994 single by the Prodigy

This article is about the Prodigy single. For other uses, see [Voodoo (disambiguation)](/source/Voodoo_(disambiguation)).

"Voodoo People" Single by the Prodigy from the album Music for the Jilted Generation Released 12 September 1994 (1994-09-12) Recorded 1994 Studio Essex, England Genre Techno breakbeat breakbeat hardcore[1] Length 6:27 (album version) Label XL Songwriter Liam Howlett Producer Liam Howlett The Prodigy singles chronology "No Good (Start the Dance)" (1994) "Voodoo People" (1994) "Poison" (1995) Alternate cover US cover

"**Voodoo People**" is a song by British [electronic music](/source/Electronic_music) group [the Prodigy](/source/The_Prodigy), released on 12 September 1994 as the third single from their second studio album, *[Music for the Jilted Generation](/source/Music_for_the_Jilted_Generation)* (1994), and as their eighth single overall. It was both written and produced by group member [Liam Howlett](/source/Liam_Howlett) and released as a [12-inch](/source/12-inch) single and in [EP](/source/Extended_play) format in the United States in 1995 through [Mute Records](/source/Mute_Records). The guitar riff, based on "[Very Ape](/source/In_Utero)" by [Nirvana](/source/Nirvana_(band)), is played by Lance Riddler.[2][3] The accompanying music video was directed by [Walter Stern](/source/Walter_Stern_(director)) and Russell Curtis and filmed in [Saint Lucia](/source/Saint_Lucia).

## Critical reception

Spence Dookey from the *[Gavin Report](/source/Gavin_Report)* remarked that "Voodoo People" "unleashes fiery fuzztronics that blaze and smolder amidst autobahn speed chase rhythms and red alert sirens."[4] British columnist [James Masterton](/source/James_Masterton) wrote, "The new single has little of the commercial charm or potential of that last hit ('[No Good (Start the Dance)](/source/No_Good_(Start_the_Dance))'), but its a creditable chart performance nonetheless."[5] Calvin Bush from *[Melody Maker](/source/Melody_Maker)* commented, "It's official. The Prodigy are a feral [Led Zep](/source/Led_Zep) for the Nineties, swamping psychedelic [techno](/source/Techno) with the bluesiest of [jungle](/source/Jungle_music) rhythms and ruff-metal riffing. DJs who don't road-test this should be pitied for their petty snobbery."[6] Another *Melody Maker* editor, Ian Gittins, felt it "is jungle almost bereft of The Prodigy's normal bubblegum quota but will doubtless smack into the upper reaches of the chart regardless."[7]

Maria Jimenez from *[Music & Media](/source/Music_%26_Media)* complimented it as a "superb [break-beat](/source/Breakbeat) track".[8] Andy Beevers from *[Music Week](/source/Music_Week)* gave it a full score of five out of five and named it Pick of the Week in the category of Dance, adding that "this is one of their most accessible tracks with its rock guitar riffs and flute flurries."[9] [Dele Fadele](/source/Dele_Fadele) from *[NME](/source/NME)* felt that "Voodoo People" "likens the [rave](/source/Rave_music) scenario to a black magic ritual. With the Prodigy as [witchdoctor](/source/Witchdoctor), of course."[10] Another *NME* editor, [Iestyn George](/source/Iestyn_George), called it "a mean piece of breakbeat techno with jungle overtones" that serves as the "perfect appetiser" from the album.[11] Brad Beatnik from the *[RM](/source/Record_Mirror)* Dance Update wrote, "It's a sort of [Jethro Tull](/source/Jethro_Tull_(band))-goes-hardcore and the result is a brilliant slice of uncompromising yet defiantly commercial techno."[12] Another *RM* editor, [James Hamilton](/source/James_Hamilton_(DJ_and_journalist)), described it as "psychedelic guitar and flute prodded flurrying tribal techno" in his weekly dance column.[13] English [pop-punk](/source/Pop-punk) duo [Shampoo](/source/Shampoo_(duo)) reviewed the song for *[Smash Hits](/source/Smash_Hits)*, giving it a score of three out of five.[14]

## Music videos

The original music video for "Voodoo People", directed by [Walter Stern](/source/Walter_Stern_(director)) and Russell Curtis, was filmed on location in [Saint Lucia](/source/Saint_Lucia), an [island country](/source/Island_country) in the eastern [Caribbean](/source/Caribbean), and featured [Leeroy Thornhill](/source/Leeroy_Thornhill) as a [voodoo](/source/Haitian_Vodou) priest. This version included scenes featuring real [witch doctors](/source/Witch_doctor), but these were cut because of problems with television censorship. A number of other more graphic versions of the video are available, one of them appearing in the Prodigy's *Electronic Punks* documentary.[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*] It was released in late July 1994 and was inspired by voodoo-related films such as *[Live and Let Die](/source/Live_and_Let_Die_(film))*.[15] "Voodoo People" was a Box Top on British music television channel [The Box](/source/The_Box_(British_and_Irish_TV_channel)) in October 1994.[16] Same month, it received "prime break out" rotation on [MTV Europe](/source/MTV_Europe).[17]

## Remixes and covers

The song has been covered by [Refused](/source/Refused) and British funk band 6ix Toys as well remixed by [Pendulum](/source/Pendulum_(drum_and_bass_band)) (see [Voodoo People (Pendulum Remix)](/source/Voodoo_People_%2F_Out_of_Space)) and other known and less known artists such as [Eskimo](/source/Eskimo_(artist)), Alvaro and [Shayning](/source/Shayning). Croatian [cello](/source/Cello) duo [2Cellos](/source/2Cellos) have recorded an instrumental version for their album *[In2ition](/source/In2ition_(album))* and have been performing it live on their subsequent tour.

## Track listing

**UK 12-inch vinyl**

Side one No. Title Length 1. "Voodoo People" (Original Mix) 6:28 2. "Voodoo People" (Haiti Island Remix) 5:22

Side two No. Title Length 1. "Voodoo People" (Dust Brothers Remix) 5:56 2. "Goa (The Heat the Energy Part 2)" 6:04

**US 12-inch vinyl**

Side one No. Title Length 1. "Voodoo People" (Dust Brothers Remix) 5:56 2. "Voodoo People" (Original Mix) 6:28

Side two No. Title Length 1. "No Good (Start the Dance)" (CJ Bolland Museum Remix) 5:14 2. "Speedway (Theme from Fastlane)" (Secret Knowledge Remix) 10:26

**Benelux CD single**

No. Title Length 1. "Voodoo People" (Edit) 4:05 2. "Voodoo People" (Dust Brothers Remix) 5:56

**CD single**

No. Title Length 1. "Voodoo People" (Edit) 4:05 2. "Voodoo People" (Dust Brothers Remix) 5:56 3. "Goa (The Heat the Energy Part 2)" 6:04 4. "Voodoo People" (Original Mix) 6:28

**North American EP**

No. Title Length 1. "Voodoo People" (Edit) 4:07 2. "Voodoo People" (Dust Brothers Remix) 5:56 3. "No Good (Start the Dance)" (CJ Bolland Museum Remix) 5:13 4. "Rat Poison" 5:31 5. "Speedway (Theme from Fastlane)" (Secret Knowledge Remix) 10:25 6. "Voodoo People" (Haiti Island Mix) 5:25 7. "Voodoo People" (Original Mix) 6:26

## Charts

Weekly charts Chart (1994–1995) Peak position Australia (ARIA)[18] 24 Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders)[19] 26 Europe (Eurochart Hot 100)[20] 20 Finland (Suomen virallinen lista)[21] 1 Ireland (IRMA)[22] 7 Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)[23] 14 Netherlands (Single Top 100)[24] 20 Scotland Singles (OCC)[25] 14 Sweden (Sverigetopplistan)[26] 32 Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)[27] 36 UK Singles (OCC)[28] 13 UK Dance (OCC)[29] 6 UK Club Chart (Music Week)[30] 35 Chart (2005) Peak position Canada (Nielsen SoundScan)[31] 10 Year-end charts Chart (1994) Position Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)[32] 131 UK Singles (OCC)[33] 168

## Certifications

Region Certification Certified units/sales United Kingdom (BPI)[34] Platinum 600,000‡ United Kingdom (BPI)[35] "Voodoo People" / "Out of Space" Silver 200,000‡ ‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

## Release history

Region Date Format(s) Label(s) Ref. United Kingdom 12 September 1994 12-inch vinyl CD cassette XL [36] Australia 19 September 1994 12-inch vinyl CD XL Dance Pool [37] 21 November 1994 Cassette [38]

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** ["Music for the Jilted Generation - The Prodigy | Songs, Reviews, Credits"](https://www.allmusic.com/album/music-for-the-jilted-generation-mw0000622674). [AllMusic](/source/AllMusic). Retrieved 4 November 2019.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** Moy, Ron (2015). [*Authorship Roles in Popular Music: Issues and Debates*](https://books.google.com/books?id=rabwCQAAQBAJ&pg=PA101). Routledge. p. 101. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [9781317672746](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9781317672746).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** James, Martin (2015). [*Dave Grohl - Times Like His: Foo Fighters, Nirvana & Other Misadventures*](https://books.google.com/books?id=Lya3DwAAQBAJ&pg=PT8). Bonnier Zaffre. p. 8. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [9781784187637](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9781784187637).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** Spence Dookey (10 March 1995). ["Gavin Alternative: New Releases"](https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Gavin-Report/90/95/Gavin-1995-03-10.pdf) (PDF). *[Gavin Report](/source/Gavin_Report)*. p. 61. Retrieved 20 January 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** [Masterton, James](/source/James_Masterton) (18 September 1994). ["Week Ending September 24th 1994"](https://chart-watch.uk/archives/1994/week-ending-september-24th-1994). *Chart Watch UK*. Retrieved 8 September 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** Bush, Calvin (27 August 1994). ["Stone free"](https://www.flickr.com/photos/nothingelseon/53242841577/). *[Melody Maker](/source/Melody_Maker)*. p. 45. Retrieved 8 October 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** Gittins, Ian (17 September 1994). ["Singles"](https://flickr.com/photos/nothingelseon/53273241645/). *[Melody Maker](/source/Melody_Maker)*. p. 35. Retrieved 24 October 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** Jimenez, Maria (8 October 1994). ["Short Grooves"](https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/90s/1994/MM-1994-10-08.pdf) (PDF). *[Music & Media](/source/Music_%26_Media)*. Vol. 11, no. 41. p. 11. Retrieved 15 March 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** Beevers, Andy (10 September 1994). ["Market Preview: Dance - Pick of the Week"](https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-Week/1994/Music-Week-1994-09-10.pdf) (PDF). *[Music Week](/source/Music_Week)*. p. 21. Retrieved 19 April 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** [Fadele, Dele](/source/Dele_Fadele). ["The Prodigy – Music for the Jilted Generation"](https://web.archive.org/web/20000623034757/http://www.nme.com/reviews/reviews/19980101000315reviews.html). *[NME](/source/NME)*. Archived from [the original](http://www.nme.com/reviews/reviews/19980101000315reviews.html) on 23 June 2000. Retrieved 24 November 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** [George, Iestyn](/source/Iestyn_George) (24 September 1994). ["Singles"](https://www.flickr.com/photos/nothingelseon/53280870820/). *[NME](/source/New_Musical_Express)*. p. 39. Retrieved 24 October 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** Beatnik, Brad (20 August 1994). ["Hot Vinyl"](https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-Week/1994/Music-Week-1994-08-20.pdf) (PDF). *[Music Week](/source/Music_Week), in [Record Mirror](/source/Record_Mirror) (Dance Update Supplemental Insert)*. p. 8. Retrieved 19 April 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** [Hamilton, James](/source/James_Hamilton_(DJ_and_journalist)) (17 September 1994). ["Dj directory"](https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-Week/1994/Music-Week-1994-09-17.pdf) (PDF). *[Music Week](/source/Music_Week), in [Record Mirror](/source/Record_Mirror) (Dance Update Supplemental Insert)*. p. 6. Retrieved 19 April 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** [Shampoo](/source/Shampoo_(duo)) (14 September 1994). ["New Singles"](https://www.flickr.com/photos/57779449@N02/54029074866/in/album-72177720320691403). *[Smash Hits](/source/Smash_Hits)*. p. 54. Retrieved 6 October 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-15)** ["Promos In Production"](https://www.worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-Week/1994/Music-Week-1994-06-18.pdf#page=12) (PDF). *[Music Week](/source/Music_Week)*. 18 June 1994. p. 12. Retrieved 8 June 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-16)** ["Station Reports: The Box/London"](https://www.worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/90s/1994/MM-1994-10-22.pdf) (PDF). *[Music & Media](/source/Music_%26_Media)*. Vol. 11, no. 43. 22 October 1994. p. 27. Retrieved 16 December 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-17)** ["Station Reports: MTV Europe"](https://www.worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/90s/1994/MM-1994-10-22.pdf) (PDF). *[Music & Media](/source/Music_%26_Media)*. Vol. 11, no. 43. 22 October 1994. p. 27. Retrieved 16 December 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-sc_Australia_The_Prodigy_18-0)** "[The Prodigy – Voodoo People](https://australian-charts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=The+Prodigy&titel=Voodoo+People&cat=s)". [ARIA Top 50 Singles](/source/ARIA_Charts).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-sc_Flanders_The_Prodigy_19-0)** "[The Prodigy – Voodoo People](https://www.ultratop.be/nl/showitem.asp?interpret=The+Prodigy&titel=Voodoo+People&cat=s)" (in Dutch). [Ultratop 50](/source/Ultratop).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-20)** "Eurochart Hot 100 Singles". *[Music & Media](/source/Music_%26_Media)*. Vol. 11, no. 41. 8 October 1994. p. 14.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Book_21-0)** Pennanen, Timo (2006). *Sisältää hitin - levyt ja esittäjät Suomen musiikkilistoilla vuodesta 1972* (in Finnish) (1st ed.). Helsinki: Tammi. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-951-1-21053-5](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-951-1-21053-5).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-sc_Ireland2_The_Prodigy_22-0)** "[The Irish Charts – Search Results – The Prodigy](http://irishcharts.ie/search/placement?page=1&search_type=artist&placement=The%20Prodigy)". [Irish Singles Chart](/source/Irish_Singles_Chart). Retrieved 26 September 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-sc_Dutch40_The_Prodigy_23-0)** "[Nederlandse Top 40 – The Prodigy](https://www.top40.nl/top40-artiesten/The-Prodigy)" (in Dutch). [Dutch Top 40](/source/Dutch_Top_40).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-sc_Dutch100_The_Prodigy_24-0)** "[The Prodigy – Voodoo People](https://dutchcharts.nl/showitem.asp?interpret=The+Prodigy&titel=Voodoo+People&cat=s)" (in Dutch). [Single Top 100](/source/Dutch_Single_Top_100).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-sc_Scotland_The_Prodigy_25-0)** "[Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart on 24/9/1994 – Top 100](https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/scottish-singles-chart/19940924/41/)". [Official Charts Company](/source/Official_Charts_Company). Retrieved 6 March 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-sc_Sweden_The_Prodigy_26-0)** "[The Prodigy – Voodoo People](https://swedishcharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=The+Prodigy&titel=Voodoo+People&cat=s)". [Singles Top 100](/source/Sverigetopplistan).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-sc_Switzerland_The_Prodigy_27-0)** "[The Prodigy – Voodoo People](http://swisscharts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=The+Prodigy&titel=Voodoo+People&cat=s)". [Swiss Singles Chart](/source/Swiss_Hitparade).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-sc_UK_The_Prodigy_28-0)** "[Official Singles Chart on 24/9/1994 – Top 100](https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-chart/19940924/7501/)". [Official Charts Company](/source/Official_Charts_Company).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-sc_UKdance_The_Prodigy_29-0)** "[Official Dance Singles Chart on 24/9/1994 – Top 40](https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/dance-singles-chart/19940924/104/)". [Official Charts Company](/source/Official_Charts_Company). Retrieved 6 March 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-30)** ["The *RM* Club Chart"](https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-Week/1994/Music-Week-1994-09-03.pdf) (PDF). *[Music Week](/source/Music_Week), in [Record Mirror](/source/Record_Mirror) (Dance Update Supplemental Insert)*. 3 September 1994. p. 6. Retrieved 20 May 2023.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-31)** ["The Prodigy Chart History (Canadian Digital Songs)"](https://www.billboard.com/artist/the-prodigy/chart-history/cns/). *[Billboard](/source/Billboard_(magazine))*. Retrieved 4 June 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-32)** ["Jaarlijsten 1994"](http://www.top40web.nl/jaarlijsten/jr1994.html) (in Dutch). Stichting Nederlandse Top 40. Retrieved 30 November 2019.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-33)** "1994 – Singles". *[Hit Music](/source/Hit_Music)*. 7 January 1995. p. 31.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-United_KingdomProdigyVoodoo_PeoplesingleCertRef_34-0)** ["British single certifications – Prodigy – Voodoo People"](https://www.bpi.co.uk/page/certified-awards). [British Phonographic Industry](/source/British_Phonographic_Industry). Retrieved 1 March 2024. *Select*singles*in the Formats field.* *Type*Voodoo People Prodigy*in the "Search:" field.*

1. **[^](#cite_ref-United_KingdomProdigyVoodoo_People/Out_of_SpacesingleCertRef_35-0)** ["British single certifications – Prodigy – Voodoo People/Out of Space"](https://www.bpi.co.uk/page/certified-awards). [British Phonographic Industry](/source/British_Phonographic_Industry). Retrieved 6 March 2023. *Select*singles*in the Formats field.* *Type*Voodoo People/Out of Space Prodigy*in the "Search:" field.*

1. **[^](#cite_ref-36)** ["Single Releases"](https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-Week/1994/Music-Week-1994-09-10.pdf) (PDF). *[Music Week](/source/Music_Week)*. 10 September 1994. p. 29. Retrieved 18 August 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-37)** "New Release Summary – Product Available from : 19/09/94: Singles". *[The ARIA Report](/source/The_ARIA_Report)*. No. 240. 19 September 1994. p. 21.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-38)** "New Releases – Product Available from : 21/11/94: Singles". *The ARIA Report*. No. 249. 20 November 1994. p. 20.

v t e The Prodigy Liam Howlett Maxim Keith Flint Leeroy Thornhill Studio albums Experience Music for the Jilted Generation The Fat of the Land Always Outnumbered, Never Outgunned Invaders Must Die The Day Is My Enemy No Tourists EPs What Evil Lurks Live albums World's on Fire Compilation albums Their Law: The Singles 1990–2005 DJ mix albums The Dirtchamber Sessions Volume One Video albums Electronic Punks Singles "Charly" "Everybody in the Place" "Fire" / "Jericho" "Out of Space" "Wind It Up (Rewound)" "One Love" "No Good (Start the Dance)" "Voodoo People" "Poison" "Firestarter" "Breathe" "Smack My Bitch Up" "Baby's Got a Temper" "Girls" "Hotride" "Spitfire" "Voodoo People / Out of Space" "Invaders Must Die" "Omen" "Warrior's Dance" "Take Me to the Hospital" "Nasty" "The Day Is My Enemy" "Ibiza" Related articles Discography Awards and nominations Ragged Flag Flint Warriors Dance Festival Neil McLellan

v t e The Chemical Brothers Tom Rowlands Ed Simons Studio albums Exit Planet Dust Dig Your Own Hole Surrender Come with Us Push the Button We Are the Night Further Born in the Echoes No Geography For That Beautiful Feeling Extended plays Fourteenth Century Sky My Mercury Mouth E.P Loops of Fury Music:Response AmericanEP Compilation albums Brothers Gonna Work It Out Singles 93–03 Brotherhood Soundtracks Hanna Live albums Live at the Social Volume 1 Don't Think Films Don't Think Remixes Voodoo People Related articles Discography Songs "Electronic Battle Weapon" Category

Authority control databases MusicBrainz work

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Voodoo People](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voodoo_People) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voodoo_People?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.