What's The Story Behind Toto's Africa?

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  • Опубліковано 25 тра 2018
  • Let's take a look at the Origin of the internet's favorite song Toto Africa.
    All the background music was composed for this video.
    / thehollyhobs

КОМЕНТАРІ • 960

  • @JamesMaharajOfficial
    @JamesMaharajOfficial  6 років тому +62

    Check out my new video for BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY!
    ua-cam.com/video/TJJWF8Oi7Pk/v-deo.html

    • @cristinatrevino7717
      @cristinatrevino7717 5 років тому

      The HollyHobs fc cn

    • @st.beatles7283
      @st.beatles7283 5 років тому

      The HollyHobs Watch this ua-cam.com/video/uwqbLyI3XIw/v-deo.html

    • @protomanzero8647
      @protomanzero8647 5 років тому

      Do one about Take On Me!

    • @earlyreed357
      @earlyreed357 5 років тому

      I don't fcks wit Queen......but I like the rest of your vids.

  • @emmarose8760
    @emmarose8760 6 років тому +448

    Listening to Africa while in Africa is truly a religious experience trust me

    • @JamesMaharajOfficial
      @JamesMaharajOfficial  6 років тому +19

      Woah that sounds awesome!

    • @nuhnuhnuhnuhnuh35
      @nuhnuhnuhnuhnuh35 5 років тому +33

      First time i heard it was while driving through a thunderstorm in botswana at sunset just as it was slowing and rainbows were coming out, best musical experience of my entire life!

    • @Alex-sr7xu
      @Alex-sr7xu 5 років тому +10

      I hope to do that one day

    • @mdiddy29
      @mdiddy29 5 років тому +9

      That is on my bucket list

    • @loganmacgyver2625
      @loganmacgyver2625 5 років тому +3

      listening to atlantis is calling in atlantis is even better

  • @duaneredman
    @duaneredman 6 років тому +103

    I am in Africa right now because of work. This song is in my head every day- love it! Sometimes, though, I do not bless the rains only because it brings along with it a butt load of insects!

    • @zagfan44
      @zagfan44 5 років тому +3

      duaneredman: I bless the bugs down in Africa...just doesn't have the same effect, does it?

  • @2BArchives
    @2BArchives 6 років тому +288

    Shout out to Kilimanjaro, Olympus, and the Serengeti.

    • @JamesMaharajOfficial
      @JamesMaharajOfficial  6 років тому +22

      I bless all of their rains.

    • @5roundsrapid263
      @5roundsrapid263 6 років тому +8

      Olympus is in Greece. However, the song is Aeolian mode, which is a Greek scale.

    • @Tmanaz480
      @Tmanaz480 5 років тому +1

      You mean Serenge-TEE

    • @annetteunsworthqhht
      @annetteunsworthqhht 5 років тому

      Olympus? You mean nimbus (it's a type of cloud)

    • @zagfan44
      @zagfan44 5 років тому

      +Annette Unsworth: I much prefer lenticular clouds...

  • @michaelparylak5649
    @michaelparylak5649 4 роки тому +18

    This is one of those songs just something about it. You can't necessarily put your finger on what "it" is.I've loved it since I was a little little kid. It always went hand-in-hand with my own fantasies of saving the world.

  • @Thee_Sandwichh101
    @Thee_Sandwichh101 5 років тому +441

    I can’t believe they named a continent after a song

    • @Danielle216trans
      @Danielle216trans 5 років тому +4

      Repost

    • @_nahnahnah9207
      @_nahnahnah9207 5 років тому +5

      jdot_11 unoriginal comment and stop taking somebody's *original* comment.

    • @UnknownUser-fj1cg
      @UnknownUser-fj1cg 5 років тому

      yeet

    • @beano4060
      @beano4060 5 років тому +3

      Stolen!

    • @scrapinpennies4365
      @scrapinpennies4365 5 років тому +6

      Who cares if he stole a comment. If he stole those words, whatever I just typed was stolen by you at some point. What I mean is you have most likely said every word in this paragraph at least once in your life, I can garentee that 🙂

  • @av8rjacq486
    @av8rjacq486 6 років тому +50

    Africa is the only song I purchased when I was stationed overseas. Somehow I didn't feel so far away from home when I listened to it. Best song for me.

    • @JamesMaharajOfficial
      @JamesMaharajOfficial  6 років тому +2

      You were military? Where were you stationed?

    • @av8rjacq486
      @av8rjacq486 6 років тому +2

      The HollyHobs Kunsan air base South Korea. 1983 to 1984. Assigned to the 8th supply squadron of the 8 tactical fighter wing

    • @jamesmanky7314
      @jamesmanky7314 5 років тому +1

      av8r jacq. I was in USAF also and this song always reminds me of those days. Especially around 81-82 while stationed at Grand Forks, N. Dakota. In '83 was at Taegu AB. Former SP.

    • @av8rjacq486
      @av8rjacq486 5 років тому

      James Manky thank you my fellow airmen for your service..

  • @dancraver3815
    @dancraver3815 6 років тому +76

    I believe the best songs come to us in the most irregular ways

    • @JamesMaharajOfficial
      @JamesMaharajOfficial  6 років тому +4

      Exactly, and sometime you have to fight for your art to be appreciated.

    • @bettie8874
      @bettie8874 5 років тому

      Dan Craver absolutely ! I’m homesick now😏

  • @asssagar
    @asssagar 3 роки тому +3

    This is the best made video describing a song that I have ever seen. Great narration full of feelings and not draggy at all. Please keep them coming

  • @RangerHunter1234
    @RangerHunter1234 6 років тому +472

    How perfect that you posted this video days before Weezer's cover of the song broke the internet.

    • @JamesMaharajOfficial
      @JamesMaharajOfficial  6 років тому +26

      What incredible luck huh!? It's definitely doing well because of that cover.

    • @RangerHunter1234
      @RangerHunter1234 6 років тому +7

      That was a great video! Hope to see more from you soon! If you haven't done it already can you do It's My Life, Livin' on a Prayer, or Dead or Alive by Bon Jovi?

    • @WWJimbo
      @WWJimbo 6 років тому +3

      The HollyHobs The only reason I got this video recommended to me is because I’m a huge fan of weezer.

    • @wclark3196
      @wclark3196 6 років тому +4

      I'm glad you're getting the views, but that cover is dull. Just a watered down version of the original. Brings nothing new to it. Now this cover brings something new to it. It really shows what a great song it is. If a song still sounds great when it does in a completely different style from the original, then it's a great song. ua-cam.com/video/MH9FyLsfDzw/v-deo.html

    • @jcig1501
      @jcig1501 6 років тому +2

      W Clark is sooo right! What an incredible epic cover of Africa.

  • @mr.delicious5738
    @mr.delicious5738 6 років тому +44

    A beautiful story for a beautiful song.

  • @Nilaxstudios
    @Nilaxstudios 6 років тому +37

    I love Africa and Toto! They have changed my taste in music. I’m going to their concert in August!

    • @JamesMaharajOfficial
      @JamesMaharajOfficial  6 років тому +2

      Now I'm jealous!

    • @kamea4023
      @kamea4023 6 років тому

      Omg! Where?

    • @mgal6234
      @mgal6234 5 років тому +1

      I am going TONIGHT in Melbourne Florida...woot!

    • @SweetThing
      @SweetThing 5 років тому +1

      @@mgal6234 - I went to see them in August and am going again this weekend in Augusta, GA. :)

  • @lizaC0001
    @lizaC0001 6 років тому +23

    I have always loved this song by Toto, one of the best bands ever! I love Africa and feel so privileged to live here, even with its problems, it is beautiful.

  • @tonylancer7367
    @tonylancer7367 6 років тому +314

    As a Toto fan, I myself sometimes get confused as to how popular this song is. It's one of the most covered songs on UA-cam, popular in memes and in popular culture, it amazes how this song impacts a lot of people. *AND* most people know "that band (Toto)" because of the song "Africa" and not the (in my opinion) the brighter, much "better" song Rosanna.
    But anyway, Africa is a great song. Thanks for the explanation to a song that is always sung, analyzed, meme'd, covered, remixed and has countless breakdown videos. 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

    • @pieterjansenvanrensburg5010
      @pieterjansenvanrensburg5010 6 років тому +12

      Tony Lancer The sound and vibe of this song is directly connected to the vibe and scenery in Africa that’s why so many people relate to it!

    • @leenaherr5733
      @leenaherr5733 6 років тому +8

      I love Rosanna too lol but both are amazing!!

    • @whalesong999
      @whalesong999 6 років тому +9

      It did break the mold, more mysterious and transformative than the more conventional love song narrative like perhaps Rosanna is. 'Africa' draws one in with a larger scope than just the self, a bigger and more awesome picture than most songs in the genre. It drew me in when originally broadcast back in the early '80s, just something bigger and more awesome about it.

    • @nessnake123
      @nessnake123 6 років тому +2

      Im still shocked how this song has 354 million views and Justin Bieber's Sorry has 2,945 mill views

    • @Birdy890
      @Birdy890 6 років тому +12

      Hold the line has always been my fav, Africa a close second

  • @stan4815
    @stan4815 6 років тому +42

    I always get weirdly emotional by the end of each of your videos. They’re really moving and get me thinking. I seriously appreciate all the work you put into these videos and I can’t wait to see more!

  • @Dufoth
    @Dufoth 6 років тому +36

    I thought it was just me that loved Toto's africa so much.

    • @madsolider4390
      @madsolider4390 6 років тому +2

      Dufoth you’re lying

    • @pistachiosandpopcorn7146
      @pistachiosandpopcorn7146 4 роки тому

      I did too well me and my sister until youtube..I guess I heard a "youngin" back in 2011 on here say "Have you ever heard Africa? That's a cool song" and then I just kept hearing about it after that on here. 80s were good period and I'm not sure what grabs people so much about Africa and I've always loved it but there are a lot of 80s songs that do it for me. I couldn't even begin to name them.

    • @andreww9726
      @andreww9726 4 роки тому

      same

  • @clayghostfan
    @clayghostfan 6 років тому +160

    damn the Beatles wrote Africa too... truly ahead of their time

    • @stan4815
      @stan4815 6 років тому +8

      Canaan Meister hit after hit as the Beatles even after their break up. We love a talented band 💕

    • @JamesMaharajOfficial
      @JamesMaharajOfficial  6 років тому +12

      I really like this comment haha

    • @nessnake123
      @nessnake123 6 років тому

      >:(

    • @utopictech6425
      @utopictech6425 6 років тому +13

      The Beatles are so overrated, their songs are complete music trash!

    • @chae_shoko
      @chae_shoko 5 років тому +6

      UtopicTech People love the Beatles for their accesible, catchy songs and their more happy feeling. The 60s was filled with worry due to the Cold War. The music of the Beatles and the likes was a bit of an escape.

  • @Miguel_2.O
    @Miguel_2.O 6 років тому +12

    Hey man, I stumbled across your channel after watching videos related to the Toto/Africa being covered by Weezer story. I'm an editor in television for over 20 years, I just wanted to compliment you on your excellent work. You are very talented. Keep it up, don't give up on it. You are a great story teller! Subscribed. 👍

    • @JamesMaharajOfficial
      @JamesMaharajOfficial  6 років тому

      Oh wow thank you so very much for that. I can't tell you how much that means to me. I wont give up.

  • @rossheisler2703
    @rossheisler2703 4 роки тому +2

    Toto's Africa is probably the best rock song ever recorded and the many, many versions recorded by others are just as amazing. A vision turns a song into an instant classic.

  • @peter12246
    @peter12246 6 років тому +6

    Thanks for posting this, I remember hearing this back in 1982 on the radio. Amazing song, on my phone’s playlist ❤️ #80sforever

  • @johnlemon3809
    @johnlemon3809 6 років тому +11

    Oh my god the opening is beautiful!

  • @angelicamartinezr.8965
    @angelicamartinezr.8965 6 років тому +8

    Wow, what a good video. It's great to know the background of such a fantastic song by this unique and super talented band.
    It's a beautiful story, by the way.
    Thanks.

  • @Beun007
    @Beun007 5 років тому +1

    Timeless, never gets bored!

  • @tori2dles
    @tori2dles 5 років тому

    I end up with tears every time I watch HollyHobs videos.
    Love the history, the inspiration and the personal links you provide. Well done.

  • @larrystarstruck
    @larrystarstruck 6 років тому +11

    I had this album and loved all the songs on it.

    • @JamesMaharajOfficial
      @JamesMaharajOfficial  6 років тому

      What were some of your other favorites?

    • @fivestring65ify
      @fivestring65ify 6 років тому +1

      Larry Starstruck I have this album. It's by far my favorite by the band, and arguably the best. My favorite tune is Rosanna but I love all of them.

  • @gregorywheless3064
    @gregorywheless3064 6 років тому +4

    Supervised a bar with a DJ in Raleigh , NC in 1983 . A female high school friend just returned from Africa after leaving her fiancee. I'll always remember getting our DJ playing this song for her .

  • @ronaldo101000
    @ronaldo101000 4 роки тому +1

    Dude you nailed this mini biography

  • @codyrepp3100
    @codyrepp3100 2 роки тому +1

    My favorite song hands down it hits home as a mid 30’s adult… lost love, adventure….. awesome harmony.. 10/10 touches the heart every time

  • @TrippyKitty08
    @TrippyKitty08 6 років тому +18

    This warmed my heart

  • @MrGreif
    @MrGreif 6 років тому +18

    I went to a Ringo concert in November and they played this song. Great show

    • @deemaalmulla3907
      @deemaalmulla3907 6 років тому +4

      Mr. Greif Steve Lukather plays in his all star band they also play Rosanna by Toto

    • @JamesMaharajOfficial
      @JamesMaharajOfficial  6 років тому +3

      I would have loved to have seen that.

    • @ianandy1234
      @ianandy1234 6 років тому +1

      The HollyHobs me too but without Ringo! Peace and love, peace and love

    • @nofrop
      @nofrop 5 років тому

      I picked my a ss while reading ur post

  • @robertchutonogbanua2564
    @robertchutonogbanua2564 5 років тому +1

    Who knew that David would come up with one of the greatest songs of the 1980s? It's right up there with 1980s hits like "Don't Stop Believin'", "Livin' on a Prayer", and "Billie Jean".

  • @scottscottsdale7868
    @scottscottsdale7868 4 роки тому +1

    This is a wonderful story. I used to think this song was cheesy but since I married a woman from Africa I love it.

  • @stephamiel8836
    @stephamiel8836 6 років тому +14

    Furthermore, during Africa's studio recording ,Steve Porcaro (The other keyboard player of the band) wrote the song Human Nature for Michael Jackson ;)

    • @JamesMaharajOfficial
      @JamesMaharajOfficial  6 років тому

      Nice piece of information, Thank you!

    • @robertspicer3716
      @robertspicer3716 5 років тому

      he was the drummer not the keyboard player.

    • @feynevan
      @feynevan 5 років тому +3

      Robert Spicer No, Jeff Porcaro was the drummer.

    • @douglasmcewan2550
      @douglasmcewan2550 3 роки тому +1

      @@robertspicer3716 no, he is the other keyboard player as correctly stated.
      Toto were the studio band who played mostly all the music for the album Thriller. The band or a member of the played on so many records for so many artists
      Its said that 95% of the world's population has heard a performance by at least one of them.
      They composed and played the soundtrack to Dune and Steve Lukather is widely recognised as the world's greatest guitarist by those in the business. He and the band also co-wrote songs for Alice Cooper, The Eagles, George Benson to name a few.
      He played the guitar solo to Running In The Night by Lionel Ritchie as well as most of the other songs on that album.
      Steve also plays drums, bass and piano
      The above info is only around 2% of what the band has achieved. It makes for amazing reading.

    • @robertspicer3716
      @robertspicer3716 3 роки тому

      Jeff Porcaro was the drummer you don't know what you're talking about. look it up

  • @jasontheredfox
    @jasontheredfox 6 років тому +3

    Amazing video as usual HollyHobs!

  • @paulie1vivaaxl
    @paulie1vivaaxl 5 років тому +2

    Bobby’s outro On Africa is one of the greatest ever recorded,so whatever Luke has said over the years I’m guessing has a lot to do with the fact that they would never have got anywhere without Bobby and it’s no coincidence that even Paich admitted that people returned the fifth album after discovering Bobby was gone.
    It’s one of the best songs ever,but Bobby’s outtro is on another level.

  • @ChickyParm1972
    @ChickyParm1972 4 роки тому +2

    This song is pure magic.

  • @destzero6508
    @destzero6508 6 років тому +3

    beautiful video for a beautiful song. thank you so much for doing this!

  • @shay.smith4229
    @shay.smith4229 6 років тому +5

    Every new video you make me love this channel even more

  • @syburr3403
    @syburr3403 6 років тому +1

    Thanks so much for sharing! One of my favorite bands. Saw them last year. Saw them 15 years ago! Amazing band! Cheers!

  • @TheChadPad
    @TheChadPad 5 років тому

    This is now my favorite song story lol this gave me chills. I've wondered where this song came from for a long time, and I just stumbled across your video. Glad I did! Thank you, and cheers!

  • @maximus5060
    @maximus5060 6 років тому +216

    Do Bohemian Rhapsody... PLEASE!

  • @OblivifrekTV
    @OblivifrekTV 6 років тому +21

    phil colins - in the air tonight

    • @JamesMaharajOfficial
      @JamesMaharajOfficial  6 років тому +1

      Du du du dududum I CAN FEEL IT! Good suggestion!

    • @skaterdave03
      @skaterdave03 5 років тому +1

      Yes and figure out why high school football teams (at least in Texas) use it as pre-game locker room song

  • @timotheusn.h.nakashona1001
    @timotheusn.h.nakashona1001 4 роки тому +2

    I being from Africa all I can say is say thanks to David Paige.

  • @ddoublea9911
    @ddoublea9911 6 років тому

    This is my first time watching one of your videos. Amazing, great quality, and you definitely need more subscribers

  • @bilalahmed2123
    @bilalahmed2123 6 років тому +9

    I love this song ! It was one of the best songs, I fell in love with !

  • @RaunakShikhar
    @RaunakShikhar 6 років тому +6

    Love this song!!! Thanks for the story behind it! :)

  • @jevinday
    @jevinday 5 років тому

    That was such a beautiful story! Thank you for sharing that. It makes a lot of sense. I relate to the song a lot. It's one of my all time favorites. I've never seen any of your videos before, i will watch more for sure!

  • @snezanajovovoc5387
    @snezanajovovoc5387 5 років тому +1

    Absolutely brilliant! Thanks for sharing, I love Toto!!

  • @jackbelden3851
    @jackbelden3851 6 років тому +31

    Best song of all time

  • @GisherJohn24
    @GisherJohn24 6 років тому +110

    I think I'LL Be Over You should get as much credit as Africa and it barely made top 40.

    • @JamesMaharajOfficial
      @JamesMaharajOfficial  6 років тому +9

      Good song for sure.

    • @katemaloney4296
      @katemaloney4296 6 років тому +7

      If memory serves correctly, there is a bit of a story behind that one since Luke was busy writing another song when this one popped into his head and he felt compelled to finish it. Very beautiful song and very underrated.

    • @GisherJohn24
      @GisherJohn24 6 років тому +3

      i am praying to the Lord for a blu ray of all their music videos!

    • @Spankedchicken
      @Spankedchicken 6 років тому +4

      And I won’t hold you back

    • @davistalhone9482
      @davistalhone9482 6 років тому +4

      As well as I Wont Hold You Back Now. Though I'll Be Over You does boast backup from my main man Michael McDonald and it's hard not to adore anything that guy's done. Ever.

  • @jameslawrenceandrews
    @jameslawrenceandrews 5 років тому

    This was entirely delightful. I love hearing these back stories, and the production is absolutely top notch.

  • @Koggelxander
    @Koggelxander 5 років тому +1

    I live in South Africa and listening to this song makes me appreciate the beauty of Africa,I just wish some of the people could be this beautiful in their hearts aswell....

  • @EthanDyTioco
    @EthanDyTioco 6 років тому +67

    A God-given song :)

  • @frandovian
    @frandovian 6 років тому +114

    Where can i found this calming instrumental of Africa? anyone knows?

  • @jamiegeorge4171
    @jamiegeorge4171 5 років тому

    Thank you for the ultra amazing back story on one of my all time favorite songs plus the video was respectful and really really good take care.

  • @williamfurner6747
    @williamfurner6747 4 роки тому

    Love this video. Had to check out more about this song and learn the inspiration. Thanks!

  • @MichaelSouhoka
    @MichaelSouhoka 6 років тому +3

    Excellent! I wish if I can continue to sing or play this song in Heaven.

  • @phunkee9095
    @phunkee9095 6 років тому +216

    ironically it's the only song I know from Toto

    • @JamesMaharajOfficial
      @JamesMaharajOfficial  6 років тому +36

      You gotta check out more my dude!

    • @BonnieHalfElven
      @BonnieHalfElven 6 років тому +16

      Toto is one of my all-time favorite bands. I'm so glad to see a new generation discovering them!

    • @phunkee9095
      @phunkee9095 6 років тому +1

      +Bonnie Half-Elven im old school. i grew up around older so im gen X-ish.

    • @phunkee9095
      @phunkee9095 6 років тому

      +Bonnie Half-Elven i grew up hanging around older people, so I'm gen X-ish.

    • @raiderfanlb
      @raiderfanlb 6 років тому +29

      You should hear "Rosanna" and "Hold the Line" by Toto as well

  • @snicoledaniels5691
    @snicoledaniels5691 5 років тому

    Simple, back woods Virginia girl, here. In 2001, I was "blessed" to travel to South Africa and honestly, had Toto's song stuck in my head for a month. (And I was in love with this song in 82) but let's face it, by high school (85-89) we were sick to death of it. THANK YOU WEEZER, for renewing it in a different light for me. AWESOME, AWESOME cover!!! ~~ I'm in love again, and get to relive my Namibian memories..... thanks for the backstory.

  • @ZuccaEZagara
    @ZuccaEZagara 5 років тому +1

    David Frank Paich is a true artist who finds inspiration even in the smallest treasure he comes across - and always creates something GREAT which wavers fake pride, and rewrites mindsets. I was so enchanted what a sweet and witty man he is when last year, I first saw Toto live. My friend standing beside me, said "let's accept him as our Grandad!".

  • @BenDover-xv5il
    @BenDover-xv5il 6 років тому +7

    Was hoping this was the day I'd see whats the new mary jane explained, still satisfied though, thank you

  • @PlanetAfterlife
    @PlanetAfterlife 6 років тому +5

    50% Insightful
    50% Meme
    Nooiiice

  • @laurensvandewiele788
    @laurensvandewiele788 6 років тому +1

    I like this well put together video, very interesting. I also like the sound of your voice a lot, you've earned yourself a sub!

  • @claudioinostroza2286
    @claudioinostroza2286 5 років тому

    Great Job with this song and history!! Growing up on the 80's, I didn't have a favorite song...there were too many, but this was one of the cool ones to listed to when just relaxing. I now have a bigger appreciation for this one, so thank you!!!!

  • @shammyruis4512
    @shammyruis4512 6 років тому +3

    I’ve loved it since the 80’s. Just saw TOTO a couple years ago. Still rocking !
    Another great story song is Adious written by the great Jimmy Webb and performed by Linda Ronstadt .. check it out

  • @RyuzakiParker936
    @RyuzakiParker936 6 років тому +31

    My fav toto song is georgy porgy.

  • @AscensionGuitar
    @AscensionGuitar 6 років тому

    Thank you for this beautiful video detailing the story of this song, it just popped up in my recommended but it was exactly what I needed right now. It inspired me deeply being an aspiring songwriter and musician myself and I hope I can have the faith that David Paich had to God Bless You!

  • @TheNosdivad
    @TheNosdivad 4 роки тому +2

    Song writing most time is a spiritual thing

  • @ryannowo5954
    @ryannowo5954 6 років тому +5

    I love that songs😁😊

  • @blazethebassman6335
    @blazethebassman6335 6 років тому +6

    I'm not crying, You're Crying.

  • @mikewallace1270
    @mikewallace1270 5 років тому

    Damn this was a top quality video production. Thanks

  • @lance4842
    @lance4842 5 років тому +1

    I really like the effort you put into your videos.

  • @isaacmarwell5435
    @isaacmarwell5435 6 років тому +32

    The song makes me think of the headwaters of the Nile, and therefore the source of Western civilization.

    • @JamesMaharajOfficial
      @JamesMaharajOfficial  6 років тому +1

      Interesting.

    • @SpaceCattttt
      @SpaceCattttt 6 років тому

      So it's an evil song?

    • @gatrfbt
      @gatrfbt 5 років тому

      Not exactly, but Isaac's comment hints of a sort of cultural colonialism. This is a lovely song with evocative lyrics,a very good song in its own right, but let's not turn it into an icon of Africa. Those icons can only come from the great African musical artists, of whom there are many. One example, Salif Keita's Africa. The lyrics are evocative, the music haunting.
      www.metrolyrics.com/africa-lyrics-salif-keita.html

    • @isaacmarwell5435
      @isaacmarwell5435 5 років тому

      @@gatrfbt my comment is in regards to geographical facts and historical facts and the lyrics to a song written by Americans. I am not a colonist nor a colonialist nor an advocate of colonialism nor a colonizer of any kind and I reject your label and your dismissal. Address your victimhood fantasies elsewhere. Thanks for the artist recommendation, though.

  • @Penguinfur
    @Penguinfur 6 років тому +3

    You should focus on The Beatles solo works as well. Stuff like Plastic Ono Band, All things Must Pass, Ram, etc. Would love to see that.

  • @ebenblom9192
    @ebenblom9192 5 років тому

    BEAUTIFUL. thank you. Song really means a lot to me, living in Africa, and born here. I am also blessed to reach the notes of this song and can sing it whole heartedly.

  • @gavinsomerville7690
    @gavinsomerville7690 4 роки тому

    great video man! i like the message at the end

  • @presidentoxford
    @presidentoxford 6 років тому +19

    Don't know why this song / it's video has been so shit on. As if it should've been dissected intellectually & criticized for banal lyrics.
    That's total BS. The song gives a memorable vibe. It works. I love it.

    • @JamesMaharajOfficial
      @JamesMaharajOfficial  6 років тому +6

      It's a great song with an epic feel. And it's amazing how so many people with different tastes enjoy it.

  • @aceofknaves6296
    @aceofknaves6296 6 років тому +30

    As someone who already knew the story behind this song, as someone who never liked this song, as someone who never liked this band, as someone who hated the video for this song and the endless number of times MTV would play it, and as someone who is not in the habit of coming to videos of songs that he doesn't like just tell others about how much he doesn'tt like them....I have to say good job Mr. Hobs. Only you could get me to watch something on this particular subject matter and only you could do it well enough that I'd actually end up liking it. (Your video about it, not the song...lol)
    BTW, long time no see. I hope you are well and it's doing things that you love that are keeping you away from us. Take care.

    • @JamesMaharajOfficial
      @JamesMaharajOfficial  6 років тому +2

      I'm glad Ace, Thank you for that. I've been well!

    • @wea69420
      @wea69420 6 років тому +3

      The HollyHobs
      Gonna take a lot to take you away from us

    • @2Xboti
      @2Xboti 6 років тому +2

      If you want to know good Toto songs... Better World, kingdom of Desire, Pamela, falling in Between, Holy War

    • @ianandy1234
      @ianandy1234 6 років тому +2

      I hear what your saying and I know that I must do what's right
      As sure as Kilimanjaro rises like Olympus above the Serengeti

    • @genroynoisis6980
      @genroynoisis6980 5 років тому

      Hurry, dude, the fanboys are coming here for you...

  • @ms.mjjones9847
    @ms.mjjones9847 5 років тому

    I have not been able to get this song out of my head all summer. Sirius XM Plays it all the time on channel 70, as well as Georgie Porgie. I open the windows of the old Buick, and blast that song as loud as I can! The best thing is when other cars pull up next to me and they start singing it too! Who the heck does not like this song? IT IS TRULY ONE OF THE BEST SONGS OUT THERE, AND IT'S AGELESS AND TIMELESS!!!! I had to download a copy of Toto IV just so I can hear it whenever I want :)

  • @jamesferris4573
    @jamesferris4573 4 роки тому +1

    I grew up listening to 60's rock. When the Beatles were on Ed Sullivan that night it changed my life, as it did so many others. I have always loved all kinds of music, however in the 80's with the punk rock, and techno. sound I tuned out. Africa by Toto was, what I thought the best song of that decade, as well as many others. Africa still has that fresh sound, and doesn't seem dated like some songs. There are a few songs that travel with us through life, and are always very relavent, and strong. Africa by Toto is one of those songs for me.

  • @sourorange
    @sourorange 6 років тому +195

    Soon people are gunna hate on it for cultural appropriation

    • @JamesMaharajOfficial
      @JamesMaharajOfficial  6 років тому +65

      I hope not, As a brown guy who sings most of his songs written by the British it would be terrible for me. I say ethnicity has nothing to do with people sharing art. We should encourage people to not identify with what they look like but who they are as individuals.

    • @RatelHBadger
      @RatelHBadger 6 років тому +7

      Don't give the Internet ideas... it'll happen!

    • @Ninja-rp4gx
      @Ninja-rp4gx 6 років тому +7

      Soon? The time is now. Haters are everywhere. You got this wrong. This song is standing the test of time. It will be here tomorrow. And so will the haters. I love the 80s!

    • @user-jn5ux1ct4r
      @user-jn5ux1ct4r 6 років тому +3

      I would fight those people if civil war broke out over this.

    • @anaito5342
      @anaito5342 5 років тому +5

      Sour Orange
      And..if you do your homework, you'll find out the members of Toto are all liberal. They played at many Obama's support campaigns

  • @mrs.featherbottom5901
    @mrs.featherbottom5901 6 років тому +7

    Just stopping by to check if your sore throat has healed yet. Sorry to hear it hasn't! Good luck

  • @jbweaver4203
    @jbweaver4203 5 років тому +1

    The rains are amazing in Africa. Even enya has a song about that. I was lucky as hell to be posted in a village in Niger, west Africa in the Sahel just under Sahara during my peace corps service. In the village where I was posted there were food and water security issues - very deep well, rain-dependent subsistence millet farmers. When the rain finally came it was amazing - truly amazing. For weeks prior you would see and hear distant storms in the evening - everyone hoping our village will get the rains next. Timing of planting is of crucial importance too as you probably assume since it is rain dependent. Song is good, not really about real Africa experience, but adds to the western mythology of the place. Though slightly colonial, was instrumental in getting me there to learn the difference between sustainable development and foreign aid.

  • @kungfew1396
    @kungfew1396 5 років тому +2

    When I saw this video on MTV as a kid it was like a beautiful, bizarre, fairy tale song.

  • @deemaalmulla3907
    @deemaalmulla3907 6 років тому +12

    HAAA if Steve thinks that Africa is bad I wonder what he was thinking when they made the music video for 99 😂

    • @JamesMaharajOfficial
      @JamesMaharajOfficial  6 років тому

      Haha

    • @mahefaa
      @mahefaa 6 років тому

      At the time Steve didn't like it, but over time he came to like it :-)

    • @porcaro4ever
      @porcaro4ever 6 років тому

      Probably the same thing he was thinking when he and Jeff Porcaro did the video for Paul Mccartney's Silly Love Songs LOL!

    • @davidnissim589
      @davidnissim589 4 роки тому

      I think he didn’t like it initially but came to like it over time.

  • @MenheraHours
    @MenheraHours 6 років тому +3

    I need to know the deep lore of the song "Ocean Man" by Ween.

  • @fernieboy6195
    @fernieboy6195 5 років тому

    This is totally fascinating !!!! Specially because i love this song and this answers my questions about this song , so thank you 🙏

  • @LaynoProd
    @LaynoProd 10 місяців тому

    as a kid born in the San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles, California in 1997 and raised by two filipino immigrant parents who constantly played 80s music in the house, this is one of my favorite 80s songs of all-time and my favorite karaoke song, the instruments and vocals and beautiful songwriting are unmatched and this video of how it came about was very inspirational and makes me want to keep trusting God in the music creation process, thank you HollyHobs definitely subscribed! - with gratitude, LaynoProd

  • @adrianneweaver457
    @adrianneweaver457 6 років тому +43

    Would you please do rocket man Elton john

    • @JamesMaharajOfficial
      @JamesMaharajOfficial  6 років тому +6

      I love that song!

    • @SpaceCattttt
      @SpaceCattttt 6 років тому

      I don't think Elton John is desperate enough to have sex with Kim jong-un...

  • @0okamino
    @0okamino 6 років тому +3

    That is a very interesting backstory. _Africa_ gets so much right in the composition, I don't see how it could be anything less than a hit. I must admit, though, for my money, you just can't beat _Hold The Line._ ;)
    (But that's 70s Toto, not 80s Toto)

  • @douglasolsen1208
    @douglasolsen1208 5 років тому

    I've been in Africa on three trips from 2004 to 2014, for the US military and Children of the Nations, for a mere total time of six plus months and a variety of the countries there. This song resonates, for some reason. Thanks, Toto. Thanks, HollyHobs for this video.

  • @rejuvenatediarrabyfi
    @rejuvenatediarrabyfi 5 років тому

    I always love your videos😍😍

  • @AutistiCabron
    @AutistiCabron 6 років тому +3

    There’s still information missing about this songs composition. There’s so many more songs by Toto that are amazing.

    • @JamesMaharajOfficial
      @JamesMaharajOfficial  6 років тому

      What do you like about the songs composition?

    • @AutistiCabron
      @AutistiCabron 6 років тому

      It was also co-written by the Drummer, Jeff Porcaro. The story behind his ideas on the song weren’t included in this and his contribution to the song is what also made the song as great as it is.

    • @AutistiCabron
      @AutistiCabron 6 років тому

      It was added to their 4th album last minute even after recording it. They tend to record songs without including them into their albums which isn’t always bad. It left them room to release songs later, as seen in their Xx album. But adding it last minute is also why it is their last track on Toto IV.

  • @marklarsontube556
    @marklarsontube556 6 років тому +7

    TOTO rules

  • @carlbliss2398
    @carlbliss2398 5 років тому

    Thanks so much for this!!

  • @SydneyFabel
    @SydneyFabel 5 років тому

    You deserve more credit for the awesome background music in your videos!

  • @jnnx
    @jnnx 6 років тому +3

    The Lord works in mysterious ways...

  • @bingo8861
    @bingo8861 6 років тому +24

    David paich confirmed second coming of jesus

    • @JamesMaharajOfficial
      @JamesMaharajOfficial  6 років тому

      Love it!

    • @YourMajesty143
      @YourMajesty143 5 років тому

      What? He was inspired by starving kids on TV and claimed he wasn't smart enough to come up with "Blessed the rains in Africa", but then later admits he got the idea from missionaries who said they would bless the African rain. And somehow from all that, you think Jesus is coming? This isn't a song from God, just a religious band player who thinks it is.

    • @cmdrnachoman5864
      @cmdrnachoman5864 5 років тому +1

      @@YourMajesty143 r/whooosh

    • @josephstalin2606
      @josephstalin2606 4 роки тому

      YourMajesty143 over a year late but you’re stupid af

  • @mattlombardi54
    @mattlombardi54 9 місяців тому

    Africa is such a beautiful song and more importantly a beautiful continent. I hope to see it one day.

  • @davidzinck4633
    @davidzinck4633 5 років тому

    This song has always been my most favorite song of all time! You can just feel the energy and emotion in it and how it makes you feel!