About the song
Released on May 10, 1982, in Europe and October 30, 1982, in the United States, “Africa” is a quintessential track from American rock band Toto’s fourth studio album, Toto IV. Co-written by band members David Paich and Jeff Porcaro, the song was produced collectively by the band members of the time—Porcaro, Paich, Mike Porcaro, Steve Lukather, and David Hungate. The track, a blend of soft rock and jazz fusion elements, was composed and recorded towards the end of the album’s production process, encapsulating a narrative that intertwines love and geography.
The lyrics of “Africa” tell the story of a man who travels to Africa and faces a poignant decision. As his beloved arrives to meet him, he is torn between his deep connection to the land and his desire to stay with her. Despite his reluctance to leave, he must choose between his love for her and his attachment to the African landscape. The song’s evocative storytelling and lush musical arrangement were met with critical acclaim upon its release, with reviewers praising the lyrical content, Toto’s performance, and the overall production.
Commercially, “Africa” achieved remarkable success. It topped the charts in Canada and reached the top 10 in numerous countries, including Australia, Ireland, the Netherlands, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. In the United States, it secured the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 for one week, marking Toto’s only number-one hit in the U.S. The song’s popularity surged again in the late 2010s, driven by social media and a 2018 cover by Weezer, inspired by fan demand.
The music video for “Africa,” directed by Steve Barron, features Paich searching for African-themed resources in a library, interspersed with footage of the band performing and showcasing various aspects of African culture. The song has become an iconic part of Toto’s legacy, frequently covered and sampled by artists such as Pitbull, Ja Rule, JoJo, and Jason Derulo. It has also made notable appearances in television and film, including “American Dad!,” “Chuck,” “Family Guy,” “The Goldbergs,” “Scrubs,” “South Park,” and “Stranger Things.”
In addition to its inclusion in several of Toto’s greatest hits compilations, such as “Past to Present 1977–1990,” “Best Ballads,” “The Essential Toto,” and “40 Trips Around the Sun,” “Africa” continues to captivate audiences worldwide. In January 2019, a unique installation was set up in the Namib Desert to play the song continuously, powered by solar energy, highlighting its enduring appeal and significance.
Video
Lyrics
I hear the drums echoing tonight
But she hears only whispers of some quiet conversation
She’s coming in, 12:30 flight
The moonlit wings reflect the stars that guide me towards salvation
I stopped an old man along the way
Hoping to find some old forgotten words or ancient melodies
He turned to me as if to say, “Hurry boy, it’s waiting there for you”
It’s gonna take a lot to drag me away from you
There’s nothing that a hundred men or more could ever do
I bless the rains down in Africa
Gonna take some time to do the things we never had
The wild dogs cry out in the night
As they grow restless, longing for some solitary company
I know that I must do what’s right
As sure as Kilimanjaro rises like Olympus above the Serengeti
I seek to cure what’s deep inside
Frightened of this thing that I’ve become
It’s gonna take a lot to drag me away from you
There’s nothing that a hundred men or more could ever do
I bless the rains down in Africa
Gonna take some time to do the things we never had
Hurry boy, she’s waiting there for you
It’s gonna take a lot to drag me away from you
There’s nothing that a hundred men or more could ever do
I bless the rains down in Africa
I bless the rains down in Africa (I bless the rain)
I bless the rains down in Africa (I bless the rain)
I bless the rains down in Africa
I bless the rains down in Africa (gonna take the time)
Gonna take some time to do the things we never had