“Riri, Ririka” comes from the operetta “I Ririka mas” (Our Ririka), with music by Stathis Mastoras and libretto by Giannis Prineas. The musical work was first presented on July 11, 1930, at the Athinaion Theatre by the Elefthera Mousiki Skini (Free Music Stage) troupe.

The song, with both music and lyrics by Stathis Mastoras, is a duet between the central heroine, the singer Ririka, and Evarestos. It was first recorded by the actress who portrayed Ririka in the performances, Marika Kourmi, and Giannis Prineas (“Ririka”, Athens, 1930, Pathé 70199 – X-80106). The musical score of the song was published in Athens in 1930 by Konstantinidou–Starr Editions.

Seven more covers have been found in 78 rpm discography:

– "Riri, Ririka" Christos Solaris – Large orchestra, Athens, 1930 (Columbia WG 29 – DG 15), present recording.
– "Riri, Ririka", Dimitris Filippopoulos, Giorgos Savaris and Nikos Toumpakaris – Large orchestra directed by Nikos Chatziapostolou, Athens, 1930 (Columbia WG 108 – DG 76 and Columbia DG 108).
– "Ririka", Barnabás von Géczy's orchestra, Berlin, 1930 (Ρarlophone 101043 – B-21536-ΙΙ).
– "Ririka", Marika Nezer and Giorgos Kamvysis, Athens, 1930 (Ρarlophone 101089 – Β-21538-Ι).
– "Ririka", Mina Kyriakou and Giorgos Vidalis, Athens, 1930 (Οdeon Go 1662 – GA 1556 / A 190371 a).
– "Ririka", Bezos - Stipas Hawaiian (lap steel) guitars, Athens, 1930 (Odeon Go 1687 – GA 1564).
– "Riri, Riri, Ririka", Giannis Ioannidis, Liza Kouroukli, Tryfon Klotsonis, T. Arvanitakis , New York, December 1930 (Columbia USA W 206397 – 56221-F).

In the original cover with Marika Kourmi and Giannis Prineas, the following lyrics can also be heard in the chorus:

Riri, Riri, Ririka
you’re one tough gal
you’re even above Marika Kotopouli
when you sing, mince and dance

Μaryse Choisy, a famous French journalist and writer who had become known for her work on women's issues in her country and especially on the issues of female prostitution, is also mentioned in the song.