It was actually a response to real world problem, but what it came out to be in this western world was still a praise for Africa and all humanity and in sense grew bigger even as it was ment to be. I pity for those people if they in 2024 don't understand that the color of the skin don't make any diffrence if we determine who is human or who is not nor make anyone better than another or smarter or anything. Some white guys are completely trash, some black men too and also some of those yellow people too. So we are even on that ground?... LoL! :P
One of many things I appreciate about this is that it is on film, not video. Filming gives a lushness to the viewing quality as much as the layered sounds heard. Filming is not a hurried affair, it takes time to set up the shots & get everyone at the same moment.
The Drummer Jeff Porcaro lived in my neighborhood when I was a kid. We'd sometimes watch him practice as I was close with his neighbors. He was an epic musician and really nice guy.. RIP Jeff... ❤️
Love this! Please do their song Rosanna next. Their jazzy syncopation will make it a fast favorite. Thanks for playing Toto… like Chris said, Boz’s band. Also hope you look into Steve Miller. They’re all connected. 😉
These guys have so many hits: 99, Hold The Line , I Won't Hold You Back, Make Believe , Rosanna , Pamela, Stop Loving You, Stranger In Town, I Will Remember... on and on.
TOTO yes! Salvo these guys are the cream-of-the-crop musicians. There isn't anything they can't play. Widely respected throughout the industry as among the best at their respective instruments. An amazing collection of talent. That tasty keyboard solo is one of the 3 Porcaro brothers, Steve. (The other two are Mike on bass and Jeff on drums.)
Our local radio station played this song every Friday morning for like 8 years. They called it, "Africa Friday, Bitches"! They would encourage everyone to start their Friday singing this at top of their lungs and getting out all aggravations! It was a blast!! Such an awesome and contagious song!
Funny. The morning show here in NH plays this song every friday too. (Well, they used to. I'm not sure if they still do) And the entire show would sing along, and encourage all listeners do it too. Greg and the Morning Buzz. Great radio show. I feel like they are my family LOL. When one of them died a few years ago, I was devastated like a good friend was gone.
These guys were among the best session musicians of the 70’s playing on many of the top albums of that era. The name comes from the Latin word Toto meaning all encompassing because they had so many different musical styles among all the players in the band
I think you’d like Rosanna. Lukather sings the lower melody, Kimball the high. There is a ton of stuff going on in this one too. It’s an absolute classic!
This song is scientifically sonically perfect. A study was done, can’t remember if it was human or AI judging. But scored on tempo, melody, harmony, lyrics, and I think one other category-it’s considered sonically perfect. Also an artist built a small installation of basically an iPod and set of speakers. The installation is weather/waterproof and solar powered--it literally plays “Africa” on repeat forever.
I can never get enough of listening to "Africa" by Toto. I bought the 45 rpm single and played it over and over .... it was a song with magical lyrics that spun a pulsatiing, harmonic spell upon a person with it's music and myterious visions painted in the mind . ~
Toto!! These guys are on the level of The Wrecking Crew! Massive talent! Stellar vocals and harmony! Fantastic catalog of songs! Loved them from the time I heard “Hold The Line”!! I enjoy watching you discover great bands and music! ❤
This song is playing perpetually in an African country in the desert. Designed by an engineer, the sound system and 6 speakers run using solar energy, plays 24/7/365. Maintenance required only every 50 yrs. I’m asking my grands to keep checking on this after I have left this world.
"I'll Be Over You" and "Won't Hold You Back" are fantastic ballads by "Toto". Aside from "Africa", their best known songs are "Hold the Line" and "Rosanna" (both bangers!).
Oh my goodness…so many things!! In January of 2020, my dear friend John, tragically took his own life. This was his favorite song. He was a Dr. and traveled extensively for work. On the day of his funeral my fist grandchild, also named John (no association) was born. While flying to meet my daughter in labor, I was listening to this song in remembrance of my dear friend. I cannot thank you enough for this video, validating the significance of this amazing song! 👏🏼👍🏼🥰
I was 19 and got a summer job in Denali Park in Alaska when this came out. I would sit in my cabin and realize how lucky I was that a young American woman from Washington state was sitting in Alaska listening to a band sing about Africa. I remember many great times when I hear this.
In you listened to radio in the early 80s, you have a lot of Toto songs engraved into your brain. If you do "Rosanna", after words look up how Jeff Porcaro came up with his shuffle. It was heavily influenced by Bonham and "Fool In The Rain".
The Porcaro brothers were all highly respected studio musicians……Jeff Porcaro is considered one of the best studio drummers of his time. Steve Lukather, lead guitarist, has Inherited the band….being the last original member. Lukather is not a household name of top guitarists, but is always included in top 20 lists by those in the business. He is responsible for the stellar guitar work on Michael Jackson’s album Thriller. That famous tiff that begins the song Beat It? That’s Steve Lukather. In many ways the members of Toto were Michael Jackson’s backing band……Jeff Porcaro, the drummer, was also on Thriller.
Toto is a very interesting group. The entire team is made up of "session musicians." These are the guys that the big guys normally call in to either fill in for one off recordings, live shows, or video recordings. Meaning these guys are on the top of their game, and have to be able to play songs they don't know in a sort period of time for official works with other groups. So these are all A listers that other big groups call on for back up.
"Sure as Kilimanjaro rises like Olympus above the Serengeti" is basically the equivalent of "Sure as Mt Rainier rises like Olympus above the Everglades" i.e. it sounds really poetic and nice, but has no basis in actual geography.
Yes! And is also a lousy metaphor. All they are doing is comparing one mountain to another. #lowhangingfruit For years I always heard "rises like a leopardess." Finally I find out it was Olympus, and I was like "I like my version better!"
Bobby Kimball the high voice sitting on the floor is from my hometown and is a close family friend. Pride of Vinton, Louisiana. Toto is the " Best " of the best hands down.
I believe this song has been recorded and now plays on a loop in one of the deserts in Africa. What a tribute that is to this group of top-notch musicians, as well as to Africa. Three brothers are or was in this group, 2, of which have died..well, I know at least 2 of the brothers died,but not sure about the 3rd brother. Their last name was Porcaro. Thank you forreacting to them❤
Toto were the studio musicians on Michael Jackson‘s „Bad“ Album, lead Guitarist Steve Lukather is a legend - while at the same time being a very humble guy. You need to watch „Rosanna“ as well.
cant wait for you to hear Rossanna legendery drum rift called the Rossanna shuffe saw tem 3 years ago still awsome show started with the sound of a tornado and the voice of Judy Garland going toto toto wher are you toto we have to hurry
I love that you don't have to pause a bunch of times during the song to vocalize your thoughts because your facial expressions or a simple YES says it all! I get so much joy out of watching your videos. Thanks for doing this!
SalvoG , your next Toto reaction has to be “Hold The Line.” It was their breakout hit in ‘78 and a must listen to. These guys have a ton of excellent high quality jams. Virtually any song you choose is guaranteed to be a pleaser but, their most famous songs are “Rosanna”, “99”, and “I’ll Be Over You.” One of their more recent songs, “Struck By Lightning” is also very good. They released an album in 2006, which saw the return of Bobby Kimbal (who sang the higher vocal parts here), it’s called Falling In Between. The album title track is another must listen to. Excellent video! 🔥
The strong high voice you heard was Bobby. He was their origional lead singer and my favourite. I always thought they were using steel drums til I saw the video .
Just a bunch of studio musicians who got together to form a supergroup.Hits since the late 70’s.Still around and are on their second year opening up for Journey.
David paich- piano and vocals on the verses Steve porcaro - keyboards David hungate - bass (but the bassist in the video is mike porcaro, who replaced him ) Steve lukather - guitar Bobby kimball - vocals on the chorus Jeff porcaro - drums
Beautiful. Here in the Caribbean our church choir sang this accompanied by a Steel band orchestra back in the 80's. Although I love all Toto's music I particularly like " I'll be over you". With Michael Mc Donald.
My all time favorite band! I’ve seen them at least 10 times (since the 80’s) and going to see them next month in Fresno (with Journey). They are such underrated musicians who not only sell out stadiums in Europe but have performed on many iconic albums like Michael Jackson, Steely Dan, Boz Scaggs and many more! This song (and Rosanna) are their most famous but they have much better songs in their catalog. I recommend I Will Remember, you will love it!
My favorite aspect of this song is the backing vocals moving against the steady lead vocal on the first syllable of 'Africa." Then the bass riffs at the end. Then the synth lead. Then the main marimba riff.
I got the name Toto from the Wizard of Oz; it was Dorothy's dogs name. Watch the live in Amsterdam 2003. Also, Hold the Line. Bobby Kimble (RIP) sings high
Haven’t read the other comments so if I’m repeating stuff I do apologize. They are all, or were, some of the best sessions musicians who decided to get together and write and perform as a band, and they are awesome!!!
'Africa' isn't so much a song as it is an intergenerational, cultural phenomenon.
^This. So much this. Perfect explanation/description.
Yes indeed! It is not just a song... It is a try to unite people. Regardless of origin.
It was actually a response to real world problem, but what it came out to be in this western world was still a praise for Africa and all humanity and in sense grew bigger even as it was ment to be. I pity for those people if they in 2024 don't understand that the color of the skin don't make any diffrence if we determine who is human or who is not nor make anyone better than another or smarter or anything. Some white guys are completely trash, some black men too and also some of those yellow people too. So we are even on that ground?... LoL! :P
One of many things I appreciate about this is that it is on film, not video. Filming gives a lushness to the viewing quality as much as the layered sounds heard. Filming is not a hurried affair, it takes time to set up the shots & get everyone at the same moment.
The Drummer Jeff Porcaro lived in my neighborhood when I was a kid. We'd sometimes watch him practice as I was close with his neighbors. He was an epic musician and really nice guy.. RIP Jeff... ❤️
Love this! Please do their song Rosanna next. Their jazzy syncopation will make it a fast favorite. Thanks for playing Toto… like Chris said, Boz’s band. Also hope you look into Steve Miller. They’re all connected. 😉
These guys have so many hits: 99, Hold The Line , I Won't Hold You Back, Make Believe , Rosanna , Pamela, Stop Loving You, Stranger In Town, I Will Remember... on and on.
Stranger in Town was one of the early videos I remember from MTV. Extremely underrated song, imo.
..."I'll Be Over You" was one of their last hits (along with "I Won't Hold You Back")
TOTO yes! Salvo these guys are the cream-of-the-crop musicians. There isn't anything they can't play. Widely respected throughout the industry as among the best at their respective instruments. An amazing collection of talent. That tasty keyboard solo is one of the 3 Porcaro brothers, Steve. (The other two are Mike on bass and Jeff on drums.)
Our local radio station played this song every Friday morning for like 8 years. They called it, "Africa Friday, Bitches"! They would encourage everyone to start their Friday singing this at top of their lungs and getting out all aggravations! It was a blast!! Such an awesome and contagious song!
Funny. The morning show here in NH plays this song every friday too. (Well, they used to. I'm not sure if they still do) And the entire show would sing along, and encourage all listeners do it too. Greg and the Morning Buzz. Great radio show. I feel like they are my family LOL. When one of them died a few years ago, I was devastated like a good friend was gone.
@@rodb9275 Must be the same show, because I am in NH. HAHAHAHA The Morning Buzz!!
@@hollyann003 Oh, that 's so funny! LOL
"Hold the Line" is a banger
PLEASE do Rosanna next. One of my top 10 all time songs
Great!! You are finally getting to the great music of the 70's and 80's!!!
Love it, such a classic. Please, please try out "Rosanna" & "Hold The Line" next, you wont be disappointed! Keep up the great reactions!
Guaranteed!
Oh, Hold the line is perfect! But they all perfect...
Rosanna-YES!
These guys were among the best session musicians of the 70’s playing on many of the top albums of that era. The name comes from the Latin word Toto meaning all encompassing because they had so many different musical styles among all the players in the band
Not to mention they did the soundtrack to Dune... which came out of left field.
Toto- "Hold the Line" then "Rosana" both bangers
I think you’d like Rosanna. Lukather sings the lower melody, Kimball the high. There is a ton of stuff going on in this one too. It’s an absolute classic!
These guys helped Boz Scaggs make his best selling album "Silk Degrees"
Their song Rosanna, in my opinion, is a masterpiece. They are all top notch musicians. ☺️👍🎶🎵
This video gave me issue uploading! Sorry for the edits!! Amazing song! My full thoughts at the end.
The brothers Porcaro were a big part of Toto with Jeff on drums. Mike on bass and Steve on keys
This song is scientifically sonically perfect. A study was done, can’t remember if it was human or AI judging. But scored on tempo, melody, harmony, lyrics, and I think one other category-it’s considered sonically perfect.
Also an artist built a small installation of basically an iPod and set of speakers. The installation is weather/waterproof and solar powered--it literally plays “Africa” on repeat forever.
but still a snore song
between the radio, movies, shows & commercials, don't know how anyone couldn't have heard this before
I can never get enough of listening to "Africa" by Toto. I bought the 45 rpm single and played it over and over .... it was a song with magical lyrics that spun a pulsatiing, harmonic spell upon a person with it's music and myterious visions painted in the mind . ~
Oh, I love that song. One of my favorite 'feel good' songs.
When this song was released… it was EVERYWHERE!!! Same with Rosanna (great drum part)… both great songs! Thanks for a great memory!
I love early years, like “99” or “Gorgy porgy”, vocals by guitarist Steve Lukather, also “hold the line” and “Rosanna” are amazing .
Toto!! These guys are on the level of The Wrecking Crew! Massive talent! Stellar vocals and harmony! Fantastic catalog of songs! Loved them from the time I heard “Hold The Line”!! I enjoy watching you discover great bands and music! ❤
Another great song by them is Roseanna
"It's like musical candy" Great description of this song, Sal!
Another 80's classic. It's that good that you literally want to sing along with it
Born and raised in Africa. Nothing like the sound and smell of a late summer afternoon thunderstorm! Blessings
Great band. Great song which I havn't heard in a long time. Rosanna is another great one of theirs.
The hook basically consists of two notes, and it just gets under your skin and in your hair and through the soles of your feet. What great writing.
I’m sooo tickled to see someone who has never heard this song.
This is one of the few songs that never seems to get played out.
This song is playing perpetually in an African country in the desert. Designed by an engineer, the sound system and 6 speakers run using solar energy, plays 24/7/365. Maintenance required only every 50 yrs. I’m asking my grands to keep checking on this after I have left this world.
"I'll Be Over You" and "Won't Hold You Back" are fantastic ballads by "Toto". Aside from "Africa", their best known songs are "Hold the Line" and "Rosanna" (both bangers!).
Oh my goodness…so many things!! In January of 2020, my dear friend John, tragically took his own life. This was his favorite song. He was a Dr. and traveled extensively for work. On the day of his funeral my fist grandchild, also named John (no association) was born. While flying to meet my daughter in labor, I was listening to this song in remembrance of my dear
friend. I cannot thank you enough for this video, validating the significance of this amazing song! 👏🏼👍🏼🥰
I spent my teen years in the 1980's and this was one of my favorite songs. The rhythm is almost hypnotic and will draw you in.
I was 19 and got a summer job in Denali Park in Alaska when this came out. I would sit in my cabin and realize how lucky I was that a young American woman from Washington state was sitting in Alaska listening to a band sing about Africa. I remember many great times when I hear this.
Listen to Africa from one of Toto's 35th Anniv tour, Poland, etc...AMAZING!!!
In you listened to radio in the early 80s, you have a lot of Toto songs engraved into your brain. If you do "Rosanna", after words look up how Jeff Porcaro came up with his shuffle. It was heavily influenced by Bonham and "Fool In The Rain".
And Bernard Purdie on the Aja album
TOTO was the name of Dorothy's dog in "The Wizard of Oz"....
I always cry when I hear this song. It’s so beautiful.
Every time I hear this song, 😊
The Porcaro brothers were all highly respected studio musicians……Jeff Porcaro is considered one of the best studio drummers of his time. Steve Lukather, lead guitarist, has Inherited the band….being the last original member. Lukather is not a household name of top guitarists, but is always included in top 20 lists by those in the business. He is responsible for the stellar guitar work on Michael Jackson’s album Thriller. That famous tiff that begins the song Beat It? That’s Steve Lukather. In many ways the members of Toto were Michael Jackson’s backing band……Jeff Porcaro, the drummer, was also on Thriller.
Thanks for this great information.
both Rosanna and Hold the Line are so fun, you'll love 'em
again Sal.. you dunnit again.. ty great post
Hubby and I flew in a hot air balloon , following herds of Wildebeest on the Serengeti. This song captures that magical day.
Loved this song growing up! Thanks for the flashback!!
Toto is a very interesting group. The entire team is made up of "session musicians." These are the guys that the big guys normally call in to either fill in for one off recordings, live shows, or video recordings. Meaning these guys are on the top of their game, and have to be able to play songs they don't know in a sort period of time for official works with other groups. So these are all A listers that other big groups call on for back up.
They were the Wrecking Crew of their day.
toto was Boz Scaggs band!
Yes! Boz connection!
This song is in my top 5 list of the 1980s.
These are some of the best musicians of our generation. Please react to one of their best songs: "Hold the line"... you'll love it! 😀
Another Toto hidden gem - Girl Goodbye. This definitely deserves a listen.
Great song !! Now try their first hit "Hold The Line".
"Sure as Kilimanjaro rises like Olympus above the Serengeti" is basically the equivalent of "Sure as Mt Rainier rises like Olympus above the Everglades" i.e. it sounds really poetic and nice, but has no basis in actual geography.
Yes!
And is also a lousy metaphor. All they are doing is comparing one mountain to another. #lowhangingfruit
For years I always heard "rises like a leopardess." Finally I find out it was Olympus, and I was like "I like my version better!"
Bobby Kimball the high voice sitting on the floor is from my hometown and is a close family friend. Pride of Vinton, Louisiana. Toto is the " Best " of the best hands down.
99 is one of my favorites from them.
I believe this song has been recorded and now plays on a loop in one of the deserts in Africa. What a tribute that is to this group of top-notch musicians, as well as to Africa. Three brothers are or was in this group, 2, of which have died..well, I know at least 2 of the brothers died,but not sure about the 3rd brother. Their last name was Porcaro. Thank you forreacting to them❤
Toto were the studio musicians on Michael Jackson‘s „Bad“ Album, lead Guitarist Steve Lukather is a legend - while at the same time being a very humble guy. You need to watch „Rosanna“ as well.
cant wait for you to hear Rossanna legendery drum rift called the Rossanna shuffe saw tem 3 years ago still awsome show started with the sound of a tornado and the voice of Judy Garland going toto toto wher are you toto we have to hurry
Um, yeah. We rocked this.
FYI, Toto has lots of great songs, great band!!!
Back in the early 80's the TOTO tape was always in my car and jamming! This song 99, and Rosana were my favorites!
I love that you don't have to pause a bunch of times during the song to vocalize your thoughts because your facial expressions or a simple YES says it all! I get so much joy out of watching your videos. Thanks for doing this!
I bless the rains down in Africa !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Love it so much-another 80s favorite
I was a "punk" at skool,(punk) means something different in my country. But I f**king loved this song!
SalvoG , your next Toto reaction has to be “Hold The Line.” It was their breakout hit in ‘78 and a must listen to. These guys have a ton of excellent high quality jams. Virtually any song you choose is guaranteed to be a pleaser but, their most famous songs are “Rosanna”, “99”, and “I’ll Be Over You.” One of their more recent songs, “Struck By Lightning” is also very good. They released an album in 2006, which saw the return of Bobby Kimbal (who sang the higher vocal parts here), it’s called Falling In Between. The album title track is another must listen to. Excellent video! 🔥
I feel like songs like this enter my DNA forever!
Another Toto song you should hear is "I'll Be Over You" from 1986. They filmed the video on top of an apartment. Cool song, must here!
One of my favorites, if not my favorite! So good all around!
I recomend to watch this song alive, they are great, very good musicians
The strong high voice you heard was Bobby. He was their origional lead singer and my favourite. I always thought they were using steel drums til I saw the video .
The drums on the video are just a prop
Just a bunch of studio musicians who got together to form a supergroup.Hits since the late 70’s.Still around and are on their second year opening up for Journey.
There is so much of Toto that you have to catch up with especially the songs, hold the line and Georgie Porgie just to mention a few absolute fire!
Another instrument in there is a xylophone.
What great sounds mixed together. I was 18 the first time I heard it. Toto is a very talented band.
I had tickets to see them last year and the concert got cancelled! 😭 My favorite ❤️ songs by them is "Hold the Line" & " I won't hold you back"
Try "hold the line" is their best IMO
So good!
David paich- piano and vocals on the verses
Steve porcaro - keyboards
David hungate - bass (but the bassist in the video is mike porcaro, who replaced him )
Steve lukather - guitar
Bobby kimball - vocals on the chorus
Jeff porcaro - drums
Most folks will probably recommend Rosanna or Hold the Line, but my suggestion is Toto - I'll Be Over You. Actually you should do all three.
I agree 💯 my favorite song they do 🥰
That part you re-played really transports you to another place 👏👏
Beautiful. Here in the Caribbean our church choir sang this accompanied by a Steel band orchestra back in the 80's. Although I love all Toto's music I particularly like " I'll be over you". With Michael Mc Donald.
My all time favorite band! I’ve seen them at least 10 times (since the 80’s) and going to see them next month in Fresno (with Journey). They are such underrated musicians who not only sell out stadiums in Europe but have performed on many iconic albums like Michael Jackson, Steely Dan, Boz Scaggs and many more! This song (and Rosanna) are their most famous but they have much better songs in their catalog. I recommend I Will Remember, you will love it!
You will not be disappointed. They put on an amazing show. They still sounds like they did 40 years ago.
Silly me, I thought they named the band after Dorothy’s doggie in The Wizard of Oz. Run Toto run!
My favorite aspect of this song is the backing vocals moving against the steady lead vocal on the first syllable of 'Africa." Then the bass riffs at the end. Then the synth lead. Then the main marimba riff.
I got the name Toto from the Wizard of Oz; it was Dorothy's dogs name. Watch the live in Amsterdam 2003. Also, Hold the Line. Bobby Kimble (RIP) sings high
... I can't be the only one here who notices just how much YOU look like David Paich (lead singer of the verses) in this video!!!
He really does.
Such a great great song, some of this band was playing on Boz Scaggs' Lowdown. Amazing musicians!
"I guess it rains down in Africa"
"There's nothing that a 100 men on mars could ever do"
yeah I got some lyrics wrong :)
lol, that's a good one!
You should hear Bobby Kimball sing lead in "Hold The Line".
One of my favorite bands
Great reaction ;] Though Africa has been their most succesfull song, you definetely need to give "Hold the line" a try. (might be even better).
A sublime listen, every single time. FUN FACT: Toto also did the 1984 Dune movie soundtrack.
Hold the Line was my favorite!!
The flute-sounding part is my favorite, @SalvoG! Thank you🤗 Very pleasant sounds throughout this piece
Oh boy your gonna love this band Steve Lukather is such an incredible guitarist
a classic among the classics, glad you picked this one and enjoyed it :D
They are great live still. I think I have seen them like 3 or 4 times since around 2006. ❤
Haven’t read the other comments so if I’m repeating stuff I do apologize. They are all, or were, some of the best sessions musicians who decided to get together and write and perform as a band, and they are awesome!!!
Do next these super hits from them : "Hold the line" , "Rosanna" , "Angel don't cry" , "I'll supply the love", "All us boys" , "99" & "Georgy porgy"
Toto - Rosanna video - you will love it!!!