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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!🎸🤩
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 TH-cam 20 years ago by a certain famous TH-cam guitar player, now just looks like the beginner version. Incredible!
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!! 😂🤣🤯
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!
39 y.o. Got boxer's fracture, 4th and 5th, right hand. Currently playing guitat as a therapy. Trying extra hard to just playing it right. Of all sudden, this video showed up on my homepage. I'm so envious, I have a strong urge to return my guitar back to the store now. Good God, you're great.
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!
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! 👏👏
you did it again!! of all the people that play in this style your my favorite by a long shot!! you always keep the soul of the song and still showcase all the skills without it being too much!
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 💯
How HOW did you improve it so much??? Unbelievably better arrangement, timing, feel, technique, everything, compared to an already great performance. Speechless.
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
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
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
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 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
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!!!!
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.
This man is the best guitar player in the world . MR.KENT
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...
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.
I no longer tell people I can play the guitar after seeing this video! Protect this man at all cost!
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.
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.
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.
Incredibly gifted and thoughtful musician; his appreciation for composition and musicality is beyond his years
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.
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
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.
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.
The whole studio recording transposed to a guitar. This is the whole band itself!
All Instruments in one, the Band man.
THIS is by far the best finger style version of Africa I’ve ever heard, better than the one of Andy Mcgee. Period!❤
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.!
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.
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
Best guitar rendition I’ve seen on TH-cam from TOTO’s iconic hit Africa.👍
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）
Music in is purest form!
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 new version is much more polished and smoother than the old upload. Congratulations!
It took Toto and a production team of how many to pull this off. This kid is amazing!
This guy is a true master of his craft!
なんて気持ち良いギターでしょう、周波数が美しい✨
He already knew the notes...he knows he where needs to be.. amazing it has to be!!
The little dubstep beat at the end is the cherry on top! Perfection 👌✨
One of my favourites by one of my favourites. Brilliant 😊
THE BEST GUITAR COVER ALL TIME!!!
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!🎸🤩
Always incredible.
I am a simple man. I see new video by Kent? I click.
Best acoustic arrangement of Africa there is.
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!
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 TH-cam 20 years ago by a certain famous TH-cam guitar player, now just looks like the beginner version. Incredible!
Even Andy' version was fucking incredible at the time!!
Outstanding Performance! I love this new version. Well done
This is even better than the first version you did and that version was near perfection.. Holy Smokes!
One of my favourite song of all time... Finally
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!! 😂🤣🤯
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!!
Respect for his hard work and talents.
Ridiculous levels of skill displayed here! WOW!
So far beyond my understanding as to be magic. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
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!
should be on at least a million subs
Love it! A version I'd love to listen to while driving
Kent, you are always amazing!.. nobody does that. not even Tommy E... you both are my inspiration....
Hands down the best song so far. You blow my mind . Such talent.
Just a one man band. Perfect playing . ❤
Amazing gift to wake up to 🎉🎉🎉 ... Gonna be a good day when Ken drops a new song! 💃❤
breathtaking
39 y.o. Got boxer's fracture, 4th and 5th, right hand.
Currently playing guitat as a therapy.
Trying extra hard to just playing it right. Of all sudden, this video showed up on my homepage. I'm so envious, I have a strong urge to return my guitar back to the store now.
Good God, you're great.
À big yesssssssss❤❤❤❤❤❤ toto africa !!!!
Amazing version ! Bravo from France !
I could listen to this kid play guitar for hours
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.
Ah! This man's playing makes me smile. Thank you, Kent. God bless you!
Mad Skills !😮 I hope
Everyone appreciates the level of difficulty and mastery involved here
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。
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!
And I thought his first cover of this song was fantastic, he just upped the bar even higher. Amazing!!!!!
I saw the notification for a second and I immediately clicked on it
This guy… his arrangements blow me away every time. Incredible talent.
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!
Oh my god. The last chorus sounded so full!!
best acoustic fingerstylist in the world 🎶🔥🎸
You nailed it again Kent 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼. You should be million subscribers now. What’s happening people?
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.
That right hand he’s playing is incredible. Lot going on there.
Very nice
鳥肌たつわぁー！！流石です！
ギター1本で忠実に再現されている。
オリジナルのまんまってとこがなんともいい♪
ポリスのシンクロニシティ２お願いします！
stepped a notch higher than the first one. love what you do kid. Anata hontoni Subarashi Desu
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.
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! 👏👏
Amazed...and then the ending was icing on the cake. Wonderful!
Wow Lovely, Great job Kent, My Friend, Made to look wonderfully easy, yet utterly difficult.
Played with such melodic accuracy too👏🏼👏🏼
I really like this rendition a lot! It shows that a tree can grow and mature like kent!
Best version I've ever heard. Voicings are incredibly accurate and have incredible natural rythmic flow. Very nice!
Very wow! Especially the new drum part!
The future of the Guitar is in good hands with Kent
any time Kent makes a video its just the best solo rendition of that song on the Internet lol
best acoustic guitarist in the world
Impressive, best fingerstyle version ever! Simply amazing...BRAVO!
your rendition is always perfect for me...one of the best fingerstyle guitarist for sure 👍👍
you did it again!! of all the people that play in this style your my favorite by a long shot!! you always keep the soul of the song and still showcase all the skills without it being too much!
Fantástico!! Loved❤❤素晴らしい
コーラスまできっちり入っているのに驚きです！ 最高！
You’ve done it again! Your touch on the guitar is amazing. Definitely my favourite arranger for guitar - well done !
Felt like old school TH-cam. Thank you for sharing your talent.
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 💯
one of the most beautiful birds i've seen so far
How HOW did you improve it so much??? Unbelievably better arrangement, timing, feel, technique, everything, compared to an already great performance. Speechless.
ブラボー👏
TOTOのAfricaがどう演奏されるのか楽しみに聞きましたが予想をはるかに超えて素晴らしかったです。
ベースラインの入り方最高ですね！曲に一気に深みが増して素晴らしかったです。
今年はKentさんのライブを前の席で前のめりになって観ることが出来ました。次も是非観に行きたいです。
Sensacional! Incrível!
Kent is the Guitar Hero we all need in our lives!
Kent is the hero that the guitar needed