TOTO, Africa | Throwback Vibez

In the 184^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2025), we recollect and reflect on “Africa ” by Grammy-winning rock band TOTO.

The vibes, the vibes, those Throwback Vibez! Throwback Vibez is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past.  The records that grace this column are older, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re ancient – no fossils 🦴! All genres of music are welcome. In the 184^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2025), we recollect and reflect on “Africa” performed by TOTO. 

“I hear the drums echoin’ tonight / But she hears only whispers of some quiet conversation.”

Intriguing! American rock band TOTO hit the jackpot in 1982 with the release of their Grammy-winning, multi-platinum, fourth studio album, Toto IV. While it was “Rosanna” that earned the accolades of the Recording Academy and hit number two on the pop charts, the biggest song from Toto IV, and the band’s career overall, is “Africa”. The 10^th and final track from the collective’s album was written by Dave Paich (b. 1954) and Jeff Porcaro (1954 – 1992). It is their sole song to reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100. Adding to its accolades, “Africa” was certified diamond by the Recording Industry Association of America.  However, regarding this beloved song, Pocaro opined in a Billboard oral history interview, “I didn’t think it should be on the album.” Word.

Perhaps the band was skeptical of “Africa” in certain regards, but there’s a lot to like about the song.  It benefits from a superb percussive groove at the onset.  Further constructing the musical accompaniment are cool, colorful synths and keys. Strengthening the sound are unforgettable musical riffs. Beyond the backdrop, TOTO delivers cool, calm, and collected vocals. Paich sings lead vocals in the verses, while Bobby Kimball (b. 1947) sings lead in the chorus.  The melodies are tuneful throughout.  “I know that I must do what’s right / As sure as Kilimanjaro rises like Olympus above the Serengeti,” Paich sings in the second verse, and concludes, “I seek to cure what’s deep inside / Frightened of this thing that I’ve become.” The chorus is the crème de la crème:

“It’s gonna take a lot to drag me away from you

There’s nothin’ that a hundred men or more could ever do

I bless the rains down in Africa

Gonna take some time to do the things we never had

Ooh, ooh.”

The songwriting is captivating, fittingly referencing aspects of Africa, including animals, specific places, and the hardships. Paich, who penned the lyrics, had never been to Africa.  Steve Lukather (b. 1957) states, “Dave [Paich] goes, ‘It’s just a fantasy song. People write about places they’ve never been before’”.  There is even more musical excellence to be experienced in this classic. Changing meter keeps the song engaging (some bars of two interrupt the common time in many notated versions of the song). Also, there are some fine harmonic ideas and great use of key modulation. “Africa” is a once-in-a-lifetime record.  It caps off Toto IV marvelously and remains beloved well beyond the album and the ‘80s.