I've been playing guitar for about 30 years, about half of that time professionally, and I have to say this is some of the best playing I've ever seen.
No way he pulled that off, there's so much going on all at once . He's built different.. I'm sure most people cant comprehend how insane this arrengement is to play
There are a handful of other players who I think could do this, Lucas Imbiriba or Richard Smith come to mind, but Mr. Nishimura is *so young* by comparison with the others! To get this good this young really is mind-boggling.
Leaving aside the staggering level of skill required to play this, the complexity and depth of this arrangement of one of rock music's great iconic songs is beyond genius. I am in total awe.
Although KENTO has been at the top of the world for many years, he still doesn't seem to have any intention of stopping. That's because KENTO finds happiness simply in pouring his love for music and rhythm. It's unlikely that he'd ever want to stop. It's not like he wants to outdo anyone or show off his outstanding technique, but rather, KENTO plays for him, saying, "One of my favorite songs is this wonderful one...do you want to hear it?" He doesn't seem particularly interested in the fact that he's "reached a place where no one can catch up to."
I knew the vocal harmony was coming in the chorus. I thought I was prepared for it. Then my face was blown off. Another in a long list of treasures from one of the most talented humans on the planet.
Still one of the internets most amazed comment sections, filled with literal professionals in the music industry who bow their heads to this man; because it truly takes another musician to appreciate the skills on display here.
The thing that gets me is that he has such fantastic feel and maintains the groove while capturing the essence of the chords and melody. All without being pretentious or flashy. Dude is a class act.
All the guitar covers Kent makes are always the best guitar covers of the song. From 'Angelina' to 'Man in the Mirror' to 'Everybody wants to rule the world' to now this. Just crazy good. None can match this guy's "cleanness" in playing.
Christ. This man is a genius. I got to see Michael Hedges live 5 times back in the late eighties. Kent is a singular genius like Michael. Bringing he instrument to unique levels and voices
Your playing and musicality are always amazing, but for me you are the ONLY arranger of songs for solo acoustic guitar that that gets it right every single time. No hocketting the inner voices around different sounds to get countermelodies to fit under your fingers, every little detail somehow just there and in the right place. Literally in a league of your own.
Best version of this song I've heard. No over the top percussion, clear melody, not drown out by excessive background crap. Amazingly well played. Complex and beautiful without the pretentious self flattery.
Kent's playing is sublime...he doesn't do fancy add-ons to the song which most finger players do...for me, he's the best finger-style guitar player in the world.
At this point, I’m just resigning to the fact that I will never understand how Kent does this. Mind blow every single time!! 🤯 And the ending… come on man!! 😂🤣🤯
I remember about 14 years ago Michael Fix uploaded his fingerstyle guitar arrangement of "Africa" and I was really impressed because it was absolutely awesome. I don't think anybody has come close to capturing the subtleties of his version until now. The rhythmic subtlety and in particular the percussive elements of this arrangement have taken it to a whole new level. When it comes to mastery of the percussive subtleties in fingerstyle guitar arrangements, Kent Nishimura is in a league of his own. When the history books are written, I'm sure Kent will be right up there with people who have pushed forward the boundaries of playing this instrument further than anyone else.
Kent, you do things with your playing that are so difficult the majority of us guitar players do, and make them look effortless. You are truly an amazing talent. Thank you for sharing your gift with the World!
I became a Kent fan after seeing him the first time with "Everybody wants to rule the world". I was a Kent fan four years ago, but now I became a deluxe Kent air conditioner.
Having followed Kent for several years now, it's an absolute joy and privilege to see someone who was already a great guitarist back then continue to develop their skills. The original Africa cover was impressive, this is flawless. Excellent work, Kent...I'll be watching this many times over the coming months.
I really like the fact that your arrangements have no gaps. There is a continuous bassline stream connecting each interval smoothly. I have a lot of respect for Andy Mckee but this is another level
What I love about your playing is that in addition to being technically impressive, the tone you get and the way you structure the layers in all your pieces are just beautiful to listen to. Even if this same arrangement was played by 6 guitarists (but sounded identical) and didn't have a video I would still listen to it. This is what puts you above a lot of other great guitarists on youtube in my opinion.
Commenting as I’m watching this; you’ve come incredibly far, Kent! Such a refreshing version of this song. The differences really make this rearrangement shine, and it’s great to see you have fun as well! Thank you for this, Kent!🎸🤩
Just watching what you do is such a beautiful graceful example for all of us. Thank you!! It's like a wonderful lesson in taste and touch. I will be going back again and again to watch your right hand. Thank you again!!
Masterful control of dynamics, as well as keeping the steady percussive beat through the whole thing. I was particularly impressed that you included the keyboard solo, too. Excellent!
Kent, you are the most amazing guitar player I have ever seen. Everything about your playing is god like. I am sat here in awe at how the first “fingerstyle Africa” arrangement I saw on UA-cam 20 years ago by a certain famous UA-cam guitar player, now just looks like the beginner version. Incredible!
Guys, if you know anything about that instrument and it's tuning, you will realize the level of mastery it would take to arrange the chord progressions so suit this melody. It is beyond my comprehension, and I do not know any other person in my lifetime that can do anything like this at that level. It would be an impossibility to do what he does in standard tuning. This young man is truly gifted, and musical savant. God bless you Mr. Nishimura, you are indeed a very rare talent, the Elon Musk of guitar!!!
@@AnifreakGeda normal guitar is played in standard tuning EADGBe. It would be impossible to play the arrangement he his playing in standard. So not only does he need to play the arrangement, he needs to come up with some crazy tuning to make it all work. He always posts his tuning in the description.
@@Jvarls14 Exactly! Not to mention the super computer that is his brain that allows him to separate the melody, the lead, the bass line, AND the percussion, all at the same time. Plus he’s grooving hard, which is to say that he’s got more in the “tank” (his brain), but has reached the possible limits of what can be done with that instrument by one person, in one take. This young man is a musical genius, no doubt… I’d bet my entire fortune he can dance well too!
@@Lavadx definitely! I play bass and sing and it takes a lot of practice and a lot of concentration to get it down. Can’t even imagine trying to add everything he is doing. Truly amazing.
Not only is this infinitely better than any other Africa guitar cover I've seen, this is one of the best arrangements of any song I've ever heard, period - all genres, all technique sets, all players. Groovy. Tasteful. Solid. Pristine. Immaculate.
This is ABSURDLY good. What an amazing arrangement. The way you replicated the vocal harmonies is genius. Insanely enjoyable. Kudos to you sir. Love that it's simply a man and his guitar. Talent on full display.
Always a delight to listen to his performances. Execution is so smooth and arrangement is always on point. Pretty much anything he plays is a masterpiece!
Brillant man your an unreal player well done and congratulations 🎉🤘🎸💯🎵😎🎧 seen some of your other covers too , thanks for sharing and looking forward to seen some more of your post 💯
I agree with others who say that Kent's fingerstyle arrangements of songs are the best. In this remake of his previous version of Africa, he captures the full melody and relevant harmonies, and immerses us in the pulse like a top drummer, on just one acoustic instrument - a gorgeous new guitar. The ending percussion part seemed a bit funny, though.
During the pandemic I was in a monthly jazz guitar group assembled by Jon Herrington of Steely Dan, we’d all arrange and share a tune on a zoom chat, then Jon would have a guest. One month he brought in Kent. He amazed everyone, his Fingerstyle arrangements are so full and in the pocket, he’s really extraordinary, check out his recordings, it’s quite impressive. He also has published a book of transcriptions, good luck trying to play one though! He’s self taught, plays in a very unique tuning mostly and can figure anything out by ear. I don’t know what he’s done since then so far as any more formal studies.
As you listen to Kent play "Africa" and many of his other songs is that he leaves out almost no detail of the original song, in spite of how many different instruments performed the original. He's been this good for years. I look forward to every video he puts out because I know he will bring immense talent to it, expertly applied.
Kent is the absolute best I've ever heard! I put on his music while I'm doing anything around the house and have let his playlist play while going to sleep. His style is such a wonderful sound to my ears. ❤❤ I love this guy! And I i love how you not only selected this song a few years ago but you revisited it as it's one of my childhood favorites! 👏👏
God damn! I used to listen to Candyrat all the time and I feel like there has been no good new fingerstyle guitarists. This guy is the best I've heard for a LONG time, can't wait to try and learn it!
![Toto - Africa [Live]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/07OWseh4qDg/mqdefault.jpg)
No showy, pretentious video production. Just good old-fashioned talent on display. Nothing else needed.
True. Kent is so underrated on YT
3:11 I agree, i don't play the guitar but i admire the simplicity of his video. Just play and enjoy listening ✌️😊
FACTS. As well as a live take. Not a 10 second clip. ❤❤❤
I've been playing guitar for about 30 years, about half of that time professionally, and I have to say this is some of the best playing I've ever seen.
Don’t see how it wouldn’t be😋
Wait 'till you see Tim Henson, haha.
@@theAV8RDifferent styles dude.. fingerstyle guitarists can play Henson's stuff. Check Sungha covering Polyphia like it's nothing lmao
The whole studio recording transposed to a guitar. This is the whole band itself!
This is the best version of Africa's guitar cover percussive fingerstyle I've ever seen.
Yes this is one of the best. Alexandr Misko's one is also good. I cannot chose between these two.
@@vivatttAndy McKee
The guitar sounded much better in Kent's previous cover of Africa.
@@elbowstancenow1519ooooo hot take lol
Best one I’ve ever heard...
All Instruments in one, the Band man.
No way he pulled that off, there's so much going on all at once . He's built different.. I'm sure most people cant comprehend how insane this arrengement is to play
There are a handful of other players who I think could do this, Lucas Imbiriba or Richard Smith come to mind, but Mr. Nishimura is *so young* by comparison with the others! To get this good this young really is mind-boggling.
Leaving aside the staggering level of skill required to play this, the complexity and depth of this arrangement of one of rock music's great iconic songs is beyond genius. I am in total awe.
Look at his steely dan covers! This guy is insane!!!!
Although KENTO has been at the top of the world for many years, he still doesn't seem to have any intention of stopping.
That's because KENTO finds happiness simply in pouring his love for music and rhythm. It's unlikely that he'd ever want to stop.
It's not like he wants to outdo anyone or show off his outstanding technique, but rather, KENTO plays for him, saying,
"One of my favorite songs is this wonderful one...do you want to hear it?"
He doesn't seem particularly interested in the fact that he's "reached a place where no one can catch up to."
@@65FreeSoul he’s been the best at what he does in my estimation for many years now however the world still hasn’t recognized him the way they should
@@cmdrvarnaHe is in his own league of musical performance!
Agreed. He doesn't just bring the skill. He brings the passionate love he has for his art to every arrangement.
I knew the vocal harmony was coming in the chorus. I thought I was prepared for it. Then my face was blown off. Another in a long list of treasures from one of the most talented humans on the planet.
"one of the most talented humans on the planet" for certain. The Elon Musk of Guitar, no doubt!
Dude doubled up the chorus while playing rhythm guitar ... on Toto's Africa. Steve Lukather would flip his lid if he saw this!
Did not expect the harmonies. Brightened up my morning! Thanks dude. 🎉
@@LavadxElon Musk is talented at nothing except for calling himself “founder” of companies he did not found.
Goosebumps every time
Still one of the internets most amazed comment sections, filled with literal professionals in the music industry who bow their heads to this man; because it truly takes another musician to appreciate the skills on display here.
The thing that gets me is that he has such fantastic feel and maintains the groove while capturing the essence of the chords and melody. All without being pretentious or flashy. Dude is a class act.
This man is the best guitar player in the world . MR.KENT
All the guitar covers Kent makes are always the best guitar covers of the song. From 'Angelina' to 'Man in the Mirror' to 'Everybody wants to rule the world' to now this. Just crazy good. None can match this guy's "cleanness" in playing.
I no longer tell people I can play the guitar after seeing this video! Protect this man at all cost!
THIS is by far the best finger style version of Africa I’ve ever heard, better than the one of Andy Mcgee. Period!❤
I saw the notification for a second and I immediately clicked on it
Christ. This man is a genius. I got to see Michael Hedges live 5 times back in the late eighties. Kent is a singular genius like Michael. Bringing he instrument to unique levels and voices
I discovered you through your original video of this arrangement, I thought that it was already as perfect as it could be - but boy was I wrong.
Your playing and musicality are always amazing, but for me you are the ONLY arranger of songs for solo acoustic guitar that that gets it right every single time. No hocketting the inner voices around different sounds to get countermelodies to fit under your fingers, every little detail somehow just there and in the right place. Literally in a league of your own.
Best version of this song I've heard. No over the top percussion, clear melody, not drown out by excessive background crap. Amazingly well played. Complex and beautiful without the pretentious self flattery.
Kent's playing is sublime...he doesn't do fancy add-ons to the song which most finger players do...for me, he's the best finger-style guitar player in the world.
Always incredible.
It took Toto and a production team of how many to pull this off. This kid is amazing!
At this point, I’m just resigning to the fact that I will never understand how Kent does this. Mind blow every single time!! 🤯 And the ending… come on man!! 😂🤣🤯
I remember about 14 years ago Michael Fix uploaded his fingerstyle guitar arrangement of "Africa" and I was really impressed because it was absolutely awesome. I don't think anybody has come close to capturing the subtleties of his version until now.
The rhythmic subtlety and in particular the percussive elements of this arrangement have taken it to a whole new level. When it comes to mastery of the percussive subtleties in fingerstyle guitar arrangements, Kent Nishimura is in a league of his own.
When the history books are written, I'm sure Kent will be right up there with people who have pushed forward the boundaries of playing this instrument further than anyone else.
Kent, you do things with your playing that are so difficult the majority of us guitar players do, and make them look effortless. You are truly an amazing talent. Thank you for sharing your gift with the World!
oh god
I became a Kent fan after seeing him the first time with "Everybody wants to rule the world". I was a Kent fan four years ago, but now I became a deluxe Kent air conditioner.
Having followed Kent for several years now, it's an absolute joy and privilege to see someone who was already a great guitarist back then continue to develop their skills. The original Africa cover was impressive, this is flawless. Excellent work, Kent...I'll be watching this many times over the coming months.
One of my favourites by one of my favourites. Brilliant 😊
I really like the fact that your arrangements have no gaps. There is a continuous bassline stream connecting each interval smoothly. I have a lot of respect for Andy Mckee but this is another level
This is even better than the first version you did and that version was near perfection.. Holy Smokes!
This guy is a true master of his craft!
I am a simple man. I see new video by Kent? I click.
Incredibly gifted and thoughtful musician; his appreciation for composition and musicality is beyond his years
What I love about your playing is that in addition to being technically impressive, the tone you get and the way you structure the layers in all your pieces are just beautiful to listen to. Even if this same arrangement was played by 6 guitarists (but sounded identical) and didn't have a video I would still listen to it. This is what puts you above a lot of other great guitarists on youtube in my opinion.
The little dubstep beat at the end is the cherry on top! Perfection 👌✨
I am convinced, Kent is not human.
I’m so glad to share so many of these 5 minutes of peace and joy with you. You’re such a gift to many! Thank you Kent N.!
It almost seems like Kent has reached the maximum potential for any guitar player humanely possible..😮
The future of the Guitar is in good hands with Kent
Commenting as I’m watching this; you’ve come incredibly far, Kent! Such a refreshing version of this song.
The differences really make this rearrangement shine, and it’s great to see you have fun as well!
Thank you for this, Kent!🎸🤩
One of my favourite song of all time... Finally
Best guitar rendition I’ve seen on UA-cam from TOTO’s iconic hit Africa.👍
breathtaking
Could you imagine living in his home...and...he begins to play this...???
He already knew the notes...he knows he where needs to be.. amazing it has to be!!
It's amazing seeing a master guitarist at work ❤. I could literally watch or listen to Kent play for hours. Absolutely brilliant.
The new version is much more polished and smoother than the old upload. Congratulations!
Best acoustic arrangement of Africa there is.
Very wow! Especially the new drum part!
this guy is a total genius
Just watching what you do is such a beautiful graceful example for all of us. Thank you!! It's like a wonderful lesson in taste and touch. I will be going back again and again to watch your right hand. Thank you again!!
Kent, you are always amazing!.. nobody does that. not even Tommy E... you both are my inspiration....
I love music ❤
Goat arrangement by KN
should be on at least a million subs
Masterful control of dynamics, as well as keeping the steady percussive beat through the whole thing. I was particularly impressed that you included the keyboard solo, too. Excellent!
You’ve done it again! Your touch on the guitar is amazing. Definitely my favourite arranger for guitar - well done !
Outstanding Performance! I love this new version. Well done
Love to see how these classics evolve and refine as Kent grows older! It was already an amazing performance, even better on all levels now!
あまりにも素敵で
3回続けて再生してしまいました❤大好きな曲を、素晴らしい演奏でありがとうございます🎉Guitarの可能性と魅力を満載ですね。
I could listen to this kid play guitar for hours
もう最高! 言葉になりません。Wow, I’m speechless.
So far beyond my understanding as to be magic. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Wow! Lead, bass, and rhythm at the same time; incredible!. Ten fingers doing their own thing together. Beautifully performed!
plus the beat box
And two vocalists!
Oh my god. The last chorus sounded so full!!
First time hearing this godlike performance, I´m questioning all of my existence!
Ridiculous levels of skill displayed here! WOW!
Kent, you are the most amazing guitar player I have ever seen. Everything about your playing is god like. I am sat here in awe at how the first “fingerstyle Africa” arrangement I saw on UA-cam 20 years ago by a certain famous UA-cam guitar player, now just looks like the beginner version. Incredible!
Even Andy' version was fucking incredible at the time!!
one of the most beautiful birds i've seen so far
Kent is always brilliant!
Guys, if you know anything about that instrument and it's tuning, you will realize the level of mastery it would take to arrange the chord progressions so suit this melody. It is beyond my comprehension, and I do not know any other person in my lifetime that can do anything like this at that level. It would be an impossibility to do what he does in standard tuning. This young man is truly gifted, and musical savant. God bless you Mr. Nishimura, you are indeed a very rare talent, the Elon Musk of guitar!!!
I know nothing about guitars other than listening to it lol. What did he do exactly that got you surprised?
@@AnifreakGeda normal guitar is played in standard tuning EADGBe. It would be impossible to play the arrangement he his playing in standard. So not only does he need to play the arrangement, he needs to come up with some crazy tuning to make it all work. He always posts his tuning in the description.
@@Jvarls14 thanks for the explanation
@@Jvarls14 Exactly! Not to mention the super computer that is his brain that allows him to separate the melody, the lead, the bass line, AND the percussion, all at the same time. Plus he’s grooving hard, which is to say that he’s got more in the “tank” (his brain), but has reached the possible limits of what can be done with that instrument by one person, in one take. This young man is a musical genius, no doubt… I’d bet my entire fortune he can dance well too!
@@Lavadx definitely! I play bass and sing and it takes a lot of practice and a lot of concentration to get it down. Can’t even imagine trying to add everything he is doing. Truly amazing.
That right hand he’s playing is incredible. Lot going on there.
Very nice
Not only is this infinitely better than any other Africa guitar cover I've seen, this is one of the best arrangements of any song I've ever heard, period - all genres, all technique sets, all players. Groovy. Tasteful. Solid. Pristine. Immaculate.
Thank you very much Kent. I feel so fortunate to have the possibility to enjoy such a unique talent. You are by far the best.
This guy… his arrangements blow me away every time. Incredible talent.
This is ABSURDLY good. What an amazing arrangement. The way you replicated the vocal harmonies is genius. Insanely enjoyable. Kudos to you sir. Love that it's simply a man and his guitar. Talent on full display.
He must be the best there is. I've never seen talent like it.
Music in is purest form!
Always a delight to listen to his performances. Execution is so smooth and arrangement is always on point. Pretty much anything he plays is a masterpiece!
You are excellent in your style. It is always a pleasure to hear from you 🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷
I'm not sure what to say - I just stumbled across this. Fucking unreal talent. I'm stunned. I don't understand how this is possible.
Just super awesome! Crazy how this arrangement is better and the articulation and everything
感動〜💓😆😆😆
ベースラインが複雑に入って、より音が厚くなって素敵✨👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
ラストはそうだったら嬉しいなと思っていたモントルーのLive version ✨✨✨🤣💘
Jeffのドラム🥁で終わる最高に嬉しいバージョン🎉
Kent君から一足早いBirthday Present 🎁 をもらったことにしますっ！！ありがとう〜💓😆（笑）
Amazing gift to wake up to 🎉🎉🎉 ... Gonna be a good day when Ken drops a new song! 💃❤
Brillant man your an unreal player well done and congratulations 🎉🤘🎸💯🎵😎🎧 seen some of your other covers too , thanks for sharing and looking forward to seen some more of your post 💯
Ah! This man's playing makes me smile. Thank you, Kent. God bless you!
À big yesssssssss❤❤❤❤❤❤ toto africa !!!!
Amazing version ! Bravo from France !
i watched the andy mckee version right after this and you made it look basic - that is incredible. big respect to you kent
stepped a notch higher than the first one. love what you do kid. Anata hontoni Subarashi Desu
Just a one man band. Perfect playing . ❤
I agree with others who say that Kent's fingerstyle arrangements of songs are the best. In this remake of his previous version of Africa, he captures the full melody and relevant harmonies, and immerses us in the pulse like a top drummer, on just one acoustic instrument - a gorgeous new guitar. The ending percussion part seemed a bit funny, though.
During the pandemic I was in a monthly jazz guitar group assembled by Jon Herrington of Steely Dan, we’d all arrange and share a tune on a zoom chat, then Jon would have a guest. One month he brought in Kent. He amazed everyone, his Fingerstyle arrangements are so full and in the pocket, he’s really extraordinary, check out his recordings, it’s quite impressive. He also has published a book of transcriptions, good luck trying to play one though! He’s self taught, plays in a very unique tuning mostly and can figure anything out by ear. I don’t know what he’s done since then so far as any more formal studies.
As you listen to Kent play "Africa" and many of his other songs is that he leaves out almost no detail of the original song, in spite of how many different instruments performed the original. He's been this good for years. I look forward to every video he puts out because I know he will bring immense talent to it, expertly applied.
Kent is the absolute best I've ever heard!
I put on his music while I'm doing anything around the house and have let his playlist play while going to sleep. His style is such a wonderful sound to my ears. ❤❤
I love this guy!
And I i love how you not only selected this song a few years ago but you revisited it as it's one of my childhood favorites! 👏👏
Been a fan in like forever.
And I thought his first cover of this song was fantastic, he just upped the bar even higher. Amazing!!!!!
THE BEST GUITAR COVER ALL TIME!!!
Kent is a true musician. I love it when you can just sit back and enjoy every note because you know it will be perfect.
Bright!! You are a talent!! I really enjoy watching your videos!!
大好きなモントルーバージョン！！！
ジェフが見える！！
God damn! I used to listen to Candyrat all the time and I feel like there has been no good new fingerstyle guitarists. This guy is the best I've heard for a LONG time, can't wait to try and learn it!