The irony is the fact that even some of the band members thought the song was silly. They, of course, didn't feel that way when the song became a smash hit, and one of the songs most identified with TOTO.
spot on! there are songs that the maker leaves the interpreter (the listener) to interpret some of the most powerful songs that have ever been written are such as these....
This is one of the timeless songs of my generation. I was 28 yrs old when it came out. I used to work out in the gym, and it came over the sound system often. I loved it then, 40 years have passed and I still love it. The great musicianship and the incredible vocals of TOTO are what make it a great song. I always assumed it was a tribute to Africa, but I never gave it a lot of thought. The music is what makes it great. It is good to get wrapped up in the way the music makes you feel, sometimes not so good to dissect the lyrics. Just go with flow as we say here in the US.
Toto is describing the discovery of African culture which is fostering a desire. The man in the video is falling in love with the culture of Africa, and he is expressing his need to go and experience the beauty of that continent.
“Africa” is a song recorded by the American rock band Toto. The lyrics of “Africa” capture the quandary of a guy who must choose between his two loves - the continent of Africa and girl he finds therein.
I was privileged to take my wife on a month long trip to Kenya and S. Africa in 2017. I made it a point to play this song while relaxing in our lodge at Amboseli Nat’l Park after a long day of photo Safaris. The lyrics seem to come more to life when you’re actually there. It was a brilliant experience!
Maybe this will help you understand it better: Toto keyboard player David Paich wrote the song and explained in the liner notes of Toto's Best Ballads compilation: "At the beginning of the '80s I watched a late night documentary on TV about all the terrible death and suffering of the people in Africa. It both moved and appalled me and the pictures just wouldn't leave my head. I tried to imagine how I'd feel if I was there and what I'd do." From Songfacts
Also from songfacts......“Africa” is a song recorded by the American rock band Toto. The lyrics of “Africa” capture the quandary of a guy who must choose between his two loves - the continent of Africa and girl he finds therein.
I used to think Africa was a metaphor for a woman. Years later I learned that the guy that wrote the song was literally singing about his love for Africa.
The video has nothing to do with the song except having people and artifacts from Africa in it the song is about loving to be in Africa and not wanting to leave great reaction I remember when this song first came out everyone was playing it everywhere and no matter how old it gets it still sounds just as good as when it first come out
The 80s were so diverse in the music and songs that we had to listen to. Didn't like what was playing?..Roll the dial a little and something new awaited you. I was 13 when this came out. Back then you didn't hear a song and think HIT forever...this was just the class of music we had..ALL of it were hits of some lvl and stayed timeless. We were so lucky. And we didn't even realize it..we just thought it would always be this way...nope.
Jenny Douglas-McRae is the "librarian" in the video. She's been a backup singer for tons of iconic bands for decades and she sung backup for Toto as well.
Searching for clues. So close, then it's taken away because someone doesn't want to be disturbed and doesn't want the answer to be found. Like a mystery novel. Not everything is obvious- at first. Then there's the musical aspect. It swims in beats of the dark continent. Masterfully done, IMO.
As David Paich explains about this song. It was written about the love for the continent of Africa and not just about a personal romance. Great song and a popular one here in the states.
The song is about the Serengeti national wildlife park in Tanzania. However in South Africa this Song was used for a advert for Castle Lager Beer back in 1990's for The South African National Cricket Team The Proteas and South African National Rugby Team The Springboks 👍
This is one of my all time favorite songs. I work in retail and this song used to play occasionally in the store. This past year they took it off the playlist. I'm still disappointed that I don't hear it at work anymore. Especially since a lot of the music is later 2000's pop that I can't stand. There are a few others I loved that got the axe this past year that I think you'd like. ZZ Top's "Sharp Dressed Man" and "Cheap Sunglasses are great, and a more recent song that I actually enjoy by the artist "Portugal The Man" entitled "Feel It Still".
You are exactly right. He was trying to match the fragment he had with the book it came from. To protect the secret, the native wiped out the library, killed him and likely killed the nice looking librarian.
Like the Great Barrier Reef in Australia (have a look of UA-cam) VERY strict rules there, when I was in the Royal Australian Navy we had to sail AROUND IT
This is just a great song such a beautiful majestic lyrics you are getting to caught up on trying to figure out what's going in the video and not really enjoying the words and melody of the song it's self Damm girl the 80s and 90s had the best heartfelt meaningful videos ever
The song is about a Christian missionary. His fiance' is flying in to ask him to come back to England to get married but he has found his meaning in life by spreading the gospel and preaching the WORD in Africa. The line "Gonna take some time to do the things we never have" is telling her, I can't leave...there is still SO much left to do. It's about his passion for the LORD and the people he's teaching. It's also based on a true store that David Paich read in a Readers Digest.
No, it WAS their biggest hit, not only during the 80s, but ever. It was their only number one song. I grew up in the 80s. This song was playing everywhere. They won a Grammy for "Roseanna", but nobody else gave a crap about Roseanna.
@Rolfye Africa was the last song on the album and didn't get much attention until the following year after the album debuted. Rosanna was their main hit. I graduated in 1982 and owned the cassette and listened to a million times. Loved Africa, but had to wait months before stations started to play it. Still going on strong today.
Also check this songs/videos by Steelheart- I'll Never Let you go, Cinderella - Don't Know what you Got (till its gone), Damn Yankees - High enough, Tyketto - Forever Young, Warrant - Cherry Pie/Heaven, Bon Jovi - Livin' On A Prayer/You give love a bad name/Bad Medicine/Always, Skid Row - I remeber you/18 & life, Hear 'n aid - Stars
Anyone else remember when this song was on a revival from social media memes that were everywhere a few years back? Good times. Anyway, there's a solo acoustic guitar arrangement of this by Andy McKee that is also really nice and relaxing to listen to.
Or she's making herself more accessable to others internationally, how about it, English speakers from different countries from which English did and didn't originate?
There is alot of good rock groups. Boston and Kansas and toto styks Nazareth beatles rolling stones elo simon and Garfunkel and seals and crofts foreigner queen the toys the strawberry alarm clock
I also heard that there are white peoples born and live there in Africa , as in Haiti 🇭🇹, and that’s new for me, and is not an hate comment, is because I want some info ℹ️, Africa is on the other side of the world 🌍, please don’t waste your time send me hate comments, cause I don’t reading at all.
I love this song and I still listen to it to this day it never gets old I have a sister who still listens to this ❤and back when I was a freshman in high school we were singing this song on stage and it was great but any still listens to this song in 2023 🌍👑
If you’re looking for stories in music, you’re going down the wrong path. That’s not what songs are typically attempting to express and this song is a perfect example. I’ve been singing the chorus to this song using the wrong lyrics for decades. However, when I realized my error and started using the correct lyrics, it did not change how this song makes me feel. Make sense?
Irina I was very happy you reacted to this song. This was the song playing when I bought my first component stereo system. The song is literally about the continent of Africa although parts of the lyrics seem to also be about a relationship so hard to say. Unfortunately the video does not really seem to match the lyrics all that well. That was common back in those days. songs were more about listening than watching back then. Anyway glad you got to hear it even if the video made it confusing. Хорошо. Спасибо большое.
They didn't been in Africa, so out of the blue they wrote this, and it wasn't meant to be published. But they did and it was a huge hit. Luke (the guitarist) stated, this will be nothing, but it was. Toto is the most underrated band. Because, other musicians said that they were not a rock group, but a more disco/ pop band and back then, disco pretty much was banned.
Yeah, even Steve Lukather (guitarist) said the lyrics make no sense at all. The song was just an exercise on how many tracks they could use in studio. They used 4 - 24 tack machines on this single cut. For forty years this song has made it's way back on radio play and has truly never died out. One of my favorite tracks from the Toto IV album but Lukather is right...makes no sense whatsoever. Doesn't mean you can't still enjoy it! You should check out other songs by Toto such as Pamela. Great cut!
Dude is just going to Africa to see his girl. He maybe made mistakes in the past, but she invited him back. It might be a rainy night when his flight gets in. But he gets to see her again. That's all that matters. So he blesses the rain. Not even a hundred men could hold him back from this reunion.
Oh, yeah, and he's looking forward to that "solitary company" if you know what I mean. You know, find someplace quiet with her and make a lot of noise. Little private time together. 😉 You go get her, ya dog! (Also, drums, but she hears only whispers. He's playing it cool on the phone but his heart is pounding)
My dear, Africa is not a country, it is a continent. Or were you talking about South Africa? Funny as it may sound, this band was introduced in Portugal as a hard rock band. A huge lot of people I know from Africa told me "you can take the people from Africa, but not take Africa from the people". Good reaction. I advice you to listen this song with subtitles, it may be easier for you to understand what they sing about. Kind regards.
My humble recommendation is Twisted Sisters - "We're not gonna take it" official music video (or official extended music video :) Url link to official video non-extended: ua-cam.com/video/4xmckWVPRaI/v-deo.html
I always heard "I miss the rains down in Africa" but my South African girlfriend informed me it's "bless the rains." Which is something that is kind of against the rules in South Africa. People can't bless anything. I like my version better as a songwriter. The song has a sense of longing and memory.
Between you and me, I didn't get the video either. I do like the song, and made up an image in my head of what it could have been about over fourty years ago. By the way, if you like ballads (story songs) I don't see any Gordon Lightfoot reactions from you! He is the best balladeer of all time. Try "If You Could Read My Mind" first and then do "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald", a song about a maritime tragedy.
![BLADE - FNF: Dark Memories [ OST ]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/QoFnZr6rPp4/mqdefault.jpg)
"I've been to Africa, it's such a nice country" just says everything....
OUR girl corrupted by America 😂
I've seen, Russian people enjoy going to Africa, one thing is for the beaches, because during winter in Russia it's still nice and warm in Africa.
it says English as a second language
@@PAINNN666 🤣😂🤣
@@dillonr6265 Usually our Africa experience starts and ends with Egypt
The irony is the fact that even some of the band members thought the song was silly. They, of course, didn't feel that way when the song became a smash hit, and one of the songs most identified with TOTO.
Don't go looking for the explanation for everything. This song is mainly a love letter to Africa; a vignette. Just evaluate it for what it is.
spot on! there are songs that the maker leaves the interpreter (the listener) to interpret some of the most powerful songs that have ever been written are such as these....
This is one of the timeless songs of my generation. I was 28 yrs old when it came out. I used to work out in the gym, and it came over the sound system often. I loved it then, 40 years have passed and I still love it. The great musicianship and the incredible vocals of TOTO are what make it a great song. I always assumed it was a tribute to Africa, but I never gave it a lot of thought. The music is what makes it great. It is good to get wrapped up in the way the music makes you feel, sometimes not so good to dissect the lyrics. Just go with flow as we say here in the US.
I miss the early 80’s so much. I was around 13 or 14 when this came out and it takes me back to my first date or the skating rink.
❤❤❤
Toto is describing the discovery of African culture which is fostering a desire. The man in the video is falling in love with the culture of Africa, and he is expressing his need to go and experience the beauty of that continent.
“Africa” is a song recorded by the American rock band Toto. The lyrics of “Africa” capture the quandary of a guy who must choose between his two loves - the continent of Africa and girl he finds therein.
Perfectly put, that's exactly right..... literally.
I was privileged to take my wife on a month long trip to Kenya and S. Africa in 2017. I made it a point to play this song while relaxing in our lodge at Amboseli Nat’l Park after a long day of photo Safaris. The lyrics seem to come more to life when you’re actually there. It was a brilliant experience!
I've visited 7 African countries; and the beauty is everywhere.
i love watching you and your reactions, you are so lovely.
OH!!! toto FOREVER..
I love this song and coming from south Africa myself it's so beautiful to me I love my Africa it's a magical place.
I love this song 🎵
I recommend Toto‘s best songs: Rosanna, Hold the Line, I‘ll be over you, Georgy Porgy
Maybe this will help you understand it better: Toto keyboard player David Paich wrote the song and explained in the liner notes of Toto's Best Ballads compilation: "At the beginning of the '80s I watched a late night documentary on TV about all the terrible death and suffering of the people in Africa. It both moved and appalled me and the pictures just wouldn't leave my head. I tried to imagine how I'd feel if I was there and what I'd do." From Songfacts
Also from songfacts......“Africa” is a song recorded by the American rock band Toto. The lyrics of “Africa” capture the quandary of a guy who must choose between his two loves - the continent of Africa and girl he finds therein.
WOW I didn’t know that!Thanks for the fact mate
we love also this song:
MONDAY MONDAY - THE MAMAS AND THE PAPAS
You should check out, oh what a night, by the four seasons and frankie Valli
I used to think Africa was a metaphor for a woman. Years later I learned that the guy that wrote the song was literally singing about his love for Africa.
Whenever I think of Toto, this beautiful song is my first memory.
One of my all time favorite songs.
Arguably one of the greatest pop/ soft rock songs ever written! Sticks with you!
The video has nothing to do with the song except having people and artifacts from Africa in it the song is about loving to be in Africa and not wanting to leave great reaction I remember when this song first came out everyone was playing it everywhere and no matter how old it gets it still sounds just as good as when it first come out
Africa is a continent not a country but anyways, Love from Egypt, Africa ❤
WORD!
🙄
Totally love your accent
If nobody else has already said it, the word for songs that tell stories is a ballad.
Hold the a Line by them is a banger.
Saw them live. Great band....
The 80s were so diverse in the music and songs that we had to listen to. Didn't like what was playing?..Roll the dial a little and something new awaited you. I was 13 when this came out. Back then you didn't hear a song and think HIT forever...this was just the class of music we had..ALL of it were hits of some lvl and stayed timeless. We were so lucky. And we didn't even realize it..we just thought it would always be this way...nope.
It was written in response to devastating drought in Africa at that time.
Jenny Douglas-McRae is the "librarian" in the video. She's been a backup singer for tons of iconic bands for decades and she sung backup for Toto as well.
Hello from Australia. I LOVE this song! P.S Subscribed yesterday
This song is completely cinematic. Perfectly fits for some Discovery channel show
I never seen such a beautiful woman in my life, oh my God you are so pretty God bless you.
I'm a new sub. I'm 51 and I grew up on all of the best music. Love your reactions. ❤
Thank you so much for watching, Welcome to my UA-cam Family!
Searching for clues. So close, then it's taken away because someone doesn't want to be disturbed and doesn't want the answer to be found. Like a mystery novel. Not everything is obvious- at first. Then there's the musical aspect. It swims in beats of the dark continent. Masterfully done, IMO.
As David Paich explains about this song. It was written about the love for the continent of Africa and not just about a personal romance. Great song and a popular one here in the states.
I’ve read about it later.. Thank you!
Africa is a nice country lol
Love this song, great choice 😊
There is al live version on You Tube from Toto of this song Africa, thats amazing.
its about africa :)
The song is about the Serengeti national wildlife park in Tanzania. However in South Africa this Song was used for a advert for Castle Lager Beer back in 1990's for The South African National Cricket Team The Proteas and South African National Rugby Team The Springboks 👍
This is one of my all time favorite songs. I work in retail and this song used to play occasionally in the store. This past year they took it off the playlist. I'm still disappointed that I don't hear it at work anymore. Especially since a lot of the music is later 2000's pop that I can't stand. There are a few others I loved that got the axe this past year that I think you'd like. ZZ Top's "Sharp Dressed Man" and "Cheap Sunglasses are great, and a more recent song that I actually enjoy by the artist "Portugal The Man" entitled "Feel It Still".
This was one of the early staples of early MTV. Their other huge song and video was Roseanna.
Great song.
finaly i wait for this 4 mons
now pls react carry on wayward son for kansas, or hold the line of toto too this songs are really great
Going to see Toto tomorrow night in Mobile Alabama
BANDIIBTP❤
You are exactly right.
He was trying to match the fragment he had with the book it came from.
To protect the secret, the native wiped out the library, killed him and likely killed the nice looking librarian.
Is it I blessed the rains down in Africa 😂
Nicely done.
Like the Great Barrier Reef in Australia (have a look of UA-cam) VERY strict rules there, when I was in the Royal Australian Navy we had to sail AROUND IT
As “Rob Squad” says: “Music says things, words simply can’t.”
Do more!
Also dont worry about interpretation,songs can be interpreted how you want or perceive
Your right it music and a story
Just have to take it for the world renowned vibe that it still is..
I’m not feeling you. THIS IS AFRICA. Source of YOU! ME!
Can you do Pantera Mouth for War next? I;m a musician, love Toto. Pantera is right up your alley.
This is just a great song such a beautiful majestic lyrics you are getting to caught up on trying to figure out what's going in the video and not really enjoying the words and melody of the song it's self Damm girl the 80s and 90s had the best heartfelt meaningful videos ever
The song is about a Christian missionary. His fiance' is flying in to ask him to come back to England to get married but he has found his meaning in life by spreading the gospel and preaching the WORD in Africa. The line "Gonna take some time to do the things we never have" is telling her, I can't leave...there is still SO much left to do. It's about his passion for the LORD and the people he's teaching. It's also based on a true store that David Paich read in a Readers Digest.
Such an iconic chill song from Toto. This wasn't their biggest hit back in the 1980s.....but this song became huge via UA-cam and remakes.
No, it WAS their biggest hit, not only during the 80s, but ever. It was their only number one song. I grew up in the 80s. This song was playing everywhere. They won a Grammy for "Roseanna", but nobody else gave a crap about Roseanna.
@Rolfye Africa was the last song on the album and didn't get much attention until the following year after the album debuted. Rosanna was their main hit. I graduated in 1982 and owned the cassette and listened to a million times. Loved Africa, but had to wait months before stations started to play it.
Still going on strong today.
Love it then and now great reaction
Also check this songs/videos by Steelheart- I'll Never Let you go, Cinderella - Don't Know what you Got (till its gone), Damn Yankees - High enough, Tyketto - Forever Young, Warrant - Cherry Pie/Heaven, Bon Jovi - Livin' On A Prayer/You give love a bad name/Bad Medicine/Always, Skid Row - I remeber you/18 & life, Hear 'n aid - Stars
If you like good ballad songs then focus in on many of Billy Joel's songs.
He sings some of the best stories.
Anyone else remember when this song was on a revival from social media memes that were everywhere a few years back? Good times. Anyway, there's a solo acoustic guitar arrangement of this by Andy McKee that is also really nice and relaxing to listen to.
yes the internet is not always bad, I was born in 1980 and some hits might be left behind but I also think some should live on
As an American, I appreciate your effort to learn our language.
She's learning English! you know from England.
@@andrewsmyrek7161 🤣🤣Hilarious, we Americans are so self-centered 🤣🤣
I think a mexican is AMERICAN !!!! I´m from Spain , i´m EUROPEAN ?????
Or she's making herself more accessable to others internationally, how about it, English speakers from different countries from which English did and didn't originate?
Goodness gracious
A TOURIST IN AFRICA WILL NEVER UNDERSTAND THIS SONG….GODSPEED
There is alot of good rock groups. Boston and Kansas and toto styks Nazareth beatles rolling stones elo simon and Garfunkel and seals and crofts foreigner queen the toys the strawberry alarm clock
I also heard that there are white peoples born and live there in Africa , as in Haiti 🇭🇹, and that’s new for me, and is not an hate comment, is because I want some info ℹ️, Africa is on the other side of the world 🌍, please don’t waste your time send me hate comments, cause I don’t reading at all.
love your positive mindset
I love this song and I still listen to it to this day it never gets old I have a sister who still listens to this ❤and back when I was a freshman in high school we were singing this song on stage and it was great but any still listens to this song in 2023 🌍👑
😘🌹
Always think of GTA Vice City which had some great 80's songs on the radio stations. Laura Brannigan Self Control, is another one.
💙🇷🇸🇸🇪
Abba
You should also check out a live version of this song.
If you’re looking for stories in music, you’re going down the wrong path. That’s not what songs are typically attempting to express and this song is a perfect example.
I’ve been singing the chorus to this song using the wrong lyrics for decades. However, when I realized my error and started using the correct lyrics, it did not change how this song makes me feel.
Make sense?
Check out "Mötley Crüe - Girls Girls Girls". No story line to worry about there.
Irina I was very happy you reacted to this song. This was the song playing when I bought my first component stereo system. The song is literally about the continent of Africa although parts of the lyrics seem to also be about a relationship so hard to say. Unfortunately the video does not really seem to match the lyrics all that well. That was common back in those days. songs were more about listening than watching back then. Anyway glad you got to hear it even if the video made it confusing. Хорошо. Спасибо большое.
I never listened to the lyrics too much on this song, but always enjoyed the music. Toto's best song to me is Rosanna. Fun review too!
They didn't been in Africa, so out of the blue they wrote this, and it wasn't meant to be published. But they did and it was a huge hit. Luke (the guitarist) stated, this will be nothing, but it was. Toto is the most underrated band. Because, other musicians said that they were not a rock group, but a more disco/ pop band and back then, disco pretty much was banned.
"Hold the Line" is pretty good. And "Straight for the Heart".
She'll be REALLY "bored" by those.
@@prescottlange Maybe not as much as this one. They are a bit less mellow.
Yeah, even Steve Lukather (guitarist) said the lyrics make no sense at all. The song was just an exercise on how many tracks they could use in studio. They used 4 - 24 tack machines on this single cut. For forty years this song has made it's way back on radio play and has truly never died out. One of my favorite tracks from the Toto IV album but Lukather is right...makes no sense whatsoever. Doesn't mean you can't still enjoy it! You should check out other songs by Toto such as Pamela. Great cut!
Let's go to Africa! You and me beautiful! 😁🇺🇸
What the hell, are all the russian girls gorgeous?
Please react to Toto Africa covered by Frog Leap Studios/ Leo Morrachioli
hello from Medellin-Colombia.
TOTO é uma das maiores bandas que já presenciamos, por favor faça a reação às músicas: ROSSANA e I´LL BE OVER YOU, por favor faça essas músicas
Hello, I'm from Brazil, a country in South America, I always watch your reaction videos, a hug 😃
beautiful song reflecting on difficult times in Africa... tribal genocide
I'll be over you . Toto
React to Randy Travis,Three Wooden Crosses
Peaceful song
Dude is just going to Africa to see his girl. He maybe made mistakes in the past, but she invited him back. It might be a rainy night when his flight gets in. But he gets to see her again. That's all that matters. So he blesses the rain. Not even a hundred men could hold him back from this reunion.
Oh, yeah, and he's looking forward to that "solitary company" if you know what I mean. You know, find someplace quiet with her and make a lot of noise. Little private time together. 😉 You go get her, ya dog! (Also, drums, but she hears only whispers. He's playing it cool on the phone but his heart is pounding)
My dear, Africa is not a country, it is a continent. Or were you talking about South Africa? Funny as it may sound, this band was introduced in Portugal as a hard rock band. A huge lot of people I know from Africa told me "you can take the people from Africa, but not take Africa from the people". Good reaction. I advice you to listen this song with subtitles, it may be easier for you to understand what they sing about. Kind regards.
Yup, it's a continent.
This is one of those songs that is better without the video.
React to dizzydross last track
Why the deep dive? It's just a good song, enjoy it!! Now check out their best song "Rosanna" official video
My humble recommendation is Twisted Sisters - "We're not gonna take it" official music video (or official extended music video :) Url link to official video non-extended: ua-cam.com/video/4xmckWVPRaI/v-deo.html
It’s more of a vibe than a story😸
Are you from Haledon NJ I see it is your PO Box listing just curious?
I always heard "I miss the rains down in Africa" but my South African girlfriend informed me it's "bless the rains." Which is something that is kind of against the rules in South Africa. People can't bless anything. I like my version better as a songwriter. The song has a sense of longing and memory.
In high school when this song hit, I thought it was "I miss" also. Probably a common mondegreen.
Music is for enjoy. It's a masterpiece. Not for understanding. If you want to understand watch a film. I promise my first and last video from you.
Between you and me, I didn't get the video either. I do like the song, and made up an image in my head of what it could have been about over fourty years ago. By the way, if you like ballads (story songs) I don't see any Gordon Lightfoot reactions from you! He is the best balladeer of all time. Try "If You Could Read My Mind" first and then do "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald", a song about a maritime tragedy.
The 80's best song.