Africa by Toto: A Song That Echoes Across Time and Hearts

26th November, 2023

Introduction: The Timeless Appeal of Toto’s Africa

Some songs are like shooting stars, dazzling the sky for a brief moment before fading away. Others are like comets, returning to our orbit every few years, reminding us of their presence. And then there are songs like Toto’s Africa that are like the sun, shining brightly and constantly, warming our hearts and souls.

Released in 1982 as part of their fourth album, this song not only became the band’s most successful hit but also a cultural phenomenon that transcends generations, borders, and genres. It’s a song that has inspired countless covers, remixes, memes, and tributes; a song that has been featured in movies, games, shows, and commercials; a song that has been played at weddings, funerals, parties, and protests. It’s a song that has become a part of our collective memory, a song that echoes across time and hearts.

The Inspiration Behind the Lyrics

The lyrics of Africa by Toto, penned by David Paich and Jeff Porcaro, offer a glimpse into a romanticised vision of Africa. Lines like “I bless the rains down in Africa” and “Sure as Kilimanjaro rises like Olympus above the Serengeti” evoke vivid imagery and a sense of longing for a distant, almost mystical land.

Paich, influenced by his exposure to African culture through media and personal interactions, infused his experiences into the song. He once said, “The images [of Africa] stuck with me, compelling me to capture the essence in a song.” This blend of personal fascination and global awareness gave birth to lyrics that are both evocative and enigmatic.

Paich drew inspiration from a documentary he watched about the humanitarian crisis in Ethiopia and a National Geographic article he read about the continent. He also drew from his childhood memories of listening to African music on the radio and watching Tarzan movies. He wanted to write a song that would capture the beauty and mystery of Africa, as well as the pain and suffering of its people.

Porcaro, who co-wrote the lyrics and composed the music, added his own touch to the song. His father, Joe Porcaro, a jazz drummer and percussionist who had played with African musicians, influenced him. He also had a personal connection to Africa, as he had visited the continent with his wife and son in 1982. He wanted to create a song that would reflect the rhythm and spirit of Africa, as well as the love and longing of its people.

Crafting the Melody: A Musical Odyssey

The musical landscape of Africa is as rich and varied as the continent it references. The use of a CS-80 synthesiser to mimic the sound of a kalimba is particularly noteworthy, adding an authentic African touch to the song. Jeff Porcaro’s intricate percussion work further elevates the track, creating a rhythm that is both unique and universally appealing.

The song also features a variety of instruments and sounds that contribute to its musical diversity. The keyboard solo, played by Steve Porcaro, was influenced by the jazz fusion band Weather Report. The guitar solo, played by Steve Lukather, was inspired by the rock band Toto’s previous hit, Hold the Line. The background vocals, sung by Paich, Bobby Kimball, and Timothy B. Schmit, were harmonised to create a choir-like effect.Al Schmitt recorded the thunderstorm sound to create a dramatic atmosphere.

The song also incorporates elements of different musical genres and styles, such as pop, rock, soul, and world music. The song has been compared to the works of Paul Simon, Peter Gabriel, and Phil Collins, who also explored African influences in their music.

Chart-Topping Success and Critical Acclaim

Upon its release in September 1982, Africa quickly climbed the charts, reaching #1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 in February 1983. This commercial success was a testament to the song’s widespread appeal. The song also received positive reviews from critics, who praised its musical craftsmanship, lyrical depth, and emotional resonance. The song garnered three Grammy Award nominations, including Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Vocal Arrangement for Two or More Voices, ultimately winning the latter category. The RIAA certified the song 8x platinum on July 20, 2022, further solidifying its status as a timeless classic.

The Cultural and Social Impact of Africa

The song’s impact extends beyond the realm of music. Its inclusion in various forms of media, from video games to television shows, has cemented its status as a cultural icon. Popular games like Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, Rock Band 3, and Fortnite, as well as acclaimed shows such as Scrubs, Family Guy, and Stranger Things, have featured the song. The song has also inspired numerous parodies, tributes, and memes, such as the viral video of a choir of floppy discs playing the song, the cover version by the comedy duo Flight of the Conchords, and the Twitter account that tweets the song’s lyrics every hour.

The song’s use during Nelson Mandela’s funeral coverage, though divisive, revealed its roots in African soil. CNN played the song as a tribute to the late South African leader, who died on December 5, 2013. However, some viewers criticised the choice of the song, arguing that it was inappropriate, insensitive, and ignorant of the complex history and reality of Africa. Others defended the song, claiming that it was a fitting homage to Mandela’s legacy, vision, and spirit.

The Paradox of Perception and Representation

Africa by Toto, is a paradoxical blend of genuine admiration for a distant land and the limitations of understanding it from afar. It’s a song that has sparked debates about cultural representation and appropriation yet continues to be celebrated for its musical brilliance and emotional depth.

On one hand, the song is a sincere expression of the band’s fascination and appreciation for Africa, as well as a reflection of their personal experiences and connections with the continent. The song is also a tribute to the resilience and beauty of the African people, who have endured hardships and struggles yet have maintained their hope and joy.

On the other hand, the song is a product of the band’s limited and stereotypical knowledge of Africa, as well as a reflection of their privileged and exoticized perspective on the continent. The song is also a manifestation of the Western gaze, which has often exploited and misrepresented African culture, history, and identity.

The Legacy of Africa: An Enduring Classic

Africa by Toto is more than just a song with catchy lyrics; it’s a narrative that captures the essence of a distant land through the eyes of its creators. Not only has it topped charts, but it has also touched hearts, making it a timeless piece in the annals of music history.

The song has influenced and inspired many artists, such as Weezer, who released a cover version of the song in 2018 after a fan campaign on social media. The song has also been sampled and remixed by various musicians, such as Pitbull, who used the song’s chorus in his 2014 FIFA World Cup anthem, We Are One (Ole Ola). Many artists have also performed the song live, including Ed Sheeran, who sang it with a local choir in Johannesburg, South Africa, in 2018.

The Echoes of Africa: Beyond the Final Note

As the last notes of Africa fade, the song leaves an indelible mark on the soul. It’s a melody that lingers, a chorus that resonates, and a message that travels far beyond its initial creation. In the vast landscape of music, Africa stands as a monument to the power of song to bridge distances, connect cultures, and touch the human spirit in ways words alone cannot express. It’s not just a song; it’s a journey, an experience, a memory etched in the collective consciousness of music lovers around the world. As we continue to navigate the rhythms of life, Africa plays on, a timeless reminder of the enduring power of music to unite, inspire, and transcend.

Toto Africa Lyrics

Verse 1: David Paich
I hear the drums echoing tonight
But she hears only whispers of some quiet conversation
She’s comin’ in, 12:30 flight
Her moonlit wings reflect the stars that guide me towards salvation
I stopped an old man along the way
Hopin’ to find some old forgotten words or ancient melodies
He turned to me as if to say
“Hurry, boy, it’s waiting there for you”

Chorus: Bobby Kimball
It’s gonna take a lot to drag me away from you
There’s nothin’ that a hundred men or more could ever do
I bless the rains down in Africa
We’re gonna take some time to do the things we never had
Ooh-hoo

Verse 2: David Paich
The wild dogs cry out in the night
As they grow restless longing for some solitary company
I know that I must do what’s right
Sure as Kilimanjaro rises like Olympus above the Serengeti
I seek to cure what’s deep inside
Frightened of this thing that I’ve become

Bridge: David Paich & Bobby Kimball
Hurry, boy, she’s waiting there for you

Chorus: Bobby Kimball
It’s gonna take a lot to drag me away from you
There’s nothin’ that a hundred men or more could ever do
I bless the rains down in Africa
I bless the rains down in Africa (I bless the rains)
I bless the rains down in Africa (I bless the rains)
I bless the rains down in Africa
I bless the rains down in Africa (Ah, gonna take the time)
We’re gonna take some time to do the things we never had
Ooh-hoo

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