FIRST TIME EVER HEARING TOTO "AFRICA" REACTION | Asia and BJ

[@MrSmartAlec]

Here's some background on the song. In 2015, David Paich explained that the song is about a man's love of a continent, Africa, rather than just a personal romance. He based the lyrics on a late night documentary with depictions of African plight and suffering. The viewing experience made a lasting impact on Paich: "It both moved and appalled me, and the pictures just wouldn't leave my head. I tried to imagine how I'd feel about it if I was there and what I'd do." Jeff Porcaro elaborates further, explaining: "A white boy is trying to write a song on Africa, but since he's never been there, he can only tell what he's seen on TV or remembers in the past."

[@jericoba]

Thanks for sharing.

[@whitworthlime8793]

Fun fact some of the lyrics where inspired by looking through a geography book in the studio, paich was flicking through and came up with them while reading. Very cool.

[@williamellis8593]

When Toto performed this song in Africa, someone asked how many times they'd been to Africa, and were shocked to find out it was their first time on the continent. The person asked "How did you get the spirit of Africa in the song. Someone from the band answered he'd talked to a missionary who worked in Africa, and said when they ran out of things to bless they blessed the rains.

[@jckingsley]

@Tom Welch Now, for added fun.. listen again. It's a guy afflicted with Lycanthropy... a werewolf. He's desperately searching for the cure... His fiance is flying over as they planned, but she has no idea what's happened to him over there. The full moon is tonight.. the clock is winding down. He has only until she lands to find the cure or kill himself to save her from what he's become. The shaman suggests that the ancient powers of Kilimanjaro may hold a solution, but he must hurry.

[@jaycordner3890]

Always get a tear when I hear this. Born and raised in South 🇿🇦. Living in UK now. NOTHING beats the heart of Africa. Most beautiful place in the world.

[@rayj1011]

Try "Hold the line" by Toto. The lead guitarist played on MJ's Thriller album and members of this band were session musicians on many songs.

[@llothar68]

The Dune soundtrack, good pure instrumental skills by Toto

[@maryreilly5092]

I read that the writer of this song, who, as a white kid growing up in the 1970’s, was watching a documentary on television about Africa. This program gave him this yearning to learn more about this continent, its beauty and its people.

[@trubblesiriahrenn751]

[@Lafever1883]

Toto were the best sessions musicians of their day. Several of them played on a little album called Thriller( Yep that one). If you were a famous musical artist in the late 70's and 80's in LA you wanted them playing on your record.

[@cookie1054]

Truth. Steve Lukather is an effing guitar and riff god. He’s a guitar player’s favorite guitarist. And he’s on a ton of tracks from that time period.

[@stevetanner3019]

Toto’s first hit “Hold The Line” is a little more Rock’N’Roll and another great tune from them

[@robertlear2735]

Toto was formed from professional studio session musicians who decided to get together to form their own band.

[@jamesmoffett526]

Actually most went to the same high school and grew up together.

[@vattmann1387]

Do love their work on the first Dune movie :)

[@robertlear2735]

"Rosanna" is another amazing song from Toto.

[@RoadLessTraveledMedia]

this is one of those "cult classic" songs, but Toto has an amazing library of songs that all made billboards...Rosanna, Hold the Line, 99, Georgy Porgy, Mama, Carmen, Angels don't cry...I know that the other Toto songs aren't really "hot" for reviews right now, but y'all could start a trend ;) Definitely recommend those for reviews. Toto was incredibly talented and dynamic.

[@nikaltesla9400]

Four more Toto songs to mention: Straight for the Heart, WIthout your Love, I'll Be over You ( background vocals from Michael McDonald), and Stop Loving You ( background vocals from Jon Anderson of YES).

[@rian202003]

Great post

[@aliciaolayvar7206]

So glad you mentioned all these songs! I'm a big fan of the band, and I know their other songs don't get that much love and attention as their "hit" ones. Such an underrated band, sound and amazing talent~ My fav songs: thousand years, how does it feel, mushanga, lion, turn back, Melanie, mindfields, Anna, Time Is the enemy, the other side, unknown soldier, and... The list continues...

[@stephanehalleux2573]

I would definetely add Home of the Brave and Hydra to your list !

[@aimfuldrifter]

Well, they still are but with most of the lineup changed.

[@utcnc7mm]

Nothing says 80's classic like Toto's Africa!

[@roccopaolino463]

The song is aspirational. David Paich is tying in the search for love with the search for beautiful foreign lands like Africa. Its really the search for all life has to offer that is good

[@grumpy4ever122]

The song that highlights the brilliance of the late Jeff Porcaro. RIP.

[@jasonm8017]

I have personally stamped this as ‘Greatest Ever’ only because I’ve heard it 12,419 times over the past 40yrs and it’s still fire 🔥 That’s it. I have some other favourites. Some I though were 🔥 and fissiled.

[@robertstoner8244]

Beautiful song 💖 by beautiful people ❤️ love this song and band

[@andrewawakened628]

I had heard that the band member who wrote the lyrics did so after a conversation with a priest who spent years as a missionary in Africa - apparently the stories made a huge impact on him and led him to write the song, and the line "I Bless the Rains" comes from the priest telling him about the different blessings he did there.

[@jeffmay8139]

Listen again and zero in on the voices. Phenomenal harmonies! The chorus starts with one voice, then 2, then 3, and hooks with 4 voices. Puts you in a trance.

[@Kaleb-wu5yi]

One of the best songs ever made! Not only was it made in defiance back when a white man was forbidden to love a black women but it also has amazing musical qualities as well!

[@jaycordner3890]

By the way Africa is a continent with many countries. Its a beautiful continent. From Egypt to Morocco to central Africa to South Africa. A very very big continent. The references were Kenya and Tanzania and the highest Mountain in Africa Mt Kilamanjaro.

[@krisnesvik]

leo macchiaioli Africa metal-cover/video is fantastic..... :) So much fun.

[@spirittammyk]

This song makes me want to visit Africa.

[@cookie1054]

IMO opinion one of the greatest pop/rock songs ever written. When I was teaching I used to use Toto songs to demonstrate song structure. Deceptively simple and hard hitting.

[@dennissanjuan7406]

This is one of the most beautiful songs ever. So beautiful they named a continent after it.

[@rogerramjet5214]

God, I love this song! Makes me swell up inside…such emotion.

[@scotties.3414]

I'm glad you guys got to finally enjoy this song. imagine it always being on the radio, in the background, on MTV. Those lyrics and harmonies begin to seep into your soul. You begin to romanticize the wonders of this mysterious place called Africa. Fast forward 30 years and when you hear this song you get a flood of memories and good feelings. It seems like a lot of good bands from that time like the eagles, Fleetwood Mac, Journey all lodged a place in your psyche and make you remember a simpler time when music was easygoing and had those amazing harmonies.

[@CG-vn8iy]

This is one of those songs where even if you don't think you've ever heard it, you almost certainly have.

[@MrPhife333]

I'm 56 years old, so I've been listening to music for a while now. Honestly, I think that this is my favorite song of all time. I don't know why I love it so much. It just sounds so dang cool. The music along with the harmony of the voices gives me chills to this day, at a point in my life when I don't get near as many "chills" as I used to. Something about this song makes me feel adventurous and brave.

[@sarahvetoe8134]

My first high school boyfriend, think circa 1994, wrote this out using music software for me because he knew I loved it. I didn’t totally appreciate it then, but that was an incredible gift.

[@ralphfiligenzi6180]

Toto had some cool hits even off their debut album in 1978 many people are not aware of like the songs "I'll Supply the Love" and "Girl Goodbye".

[@rhondalandrum8667]

“I’ll be over you “ and “I won’t hold you back”. 2 of my favorite songs by Toto. They are a must!!

[@SweetThing]

Toto has been going strong with hits for over 4 decades; I have seen them in many concerts and they always give an awesome performance. I saw 2 of their last concerts in the fall of 2019. Africa is considered the most requested song in the world; I requested it for a dance at my son's wedding reception. Toto has also done back-up for hundreds of other artists. Steve Porcaro (keyboards) wrote the song "Human Nature" which Michael Jackson had a hit with. Toto has said they are more than just the songs: "Hold The Line", "Rosanna" & "Africa" and they are. They are still writing music; David Paich & Jeff Porcaro wrote Africa. Check out: "Burn" with Joseph Williams singing lead vocal; "Till the End" (with Paula Abdul dancing, who taught Janet Jackson how to dance) and "I Won't Hold You Back". Toto Is one of the greatest bands of all time.

[@ddonlee]

I love toto so much when i was a kid. So beautiful. The feels.

[@shaunwoo]

Oh man, Toto got some great songs. The other favs are Georgy Porgy, Hold the Line, and Rosanna. Boom!

[@petergriffen4361]

Leo Moracchioli did a amazing metal cover if this song

[@mapexzildjian6361]

Agreed!! After watching this reaction I went and listened to his/Frog Leap studios cover of it again. ...for about the 40th time.

[@MrHennessyclan]

My guilty pleasure.....Toto hits you different every time you listen to it

[@daviddelaet8116]

One of my favorite bands. I can remember buying the first album. Hold the line is still popular.

[@module79l28]

Fun Fact: if you know Michael Jackson's 'Beat It', in a way you "know" TOTO because the rhythm guitar on that track is played by Steve Lukather, TOTO's guitarist. : )

[@danieldavis1028]

Toto were big time session players in the 80s so they had some of the best musical talent around and Jeff Pocaro was an award winning drummer and legendary session player with Michael Jackson, Boz Scaggs, etc He came up with that intro and beat for the song Lowdown.

[@jamesbondbond8388]

Such a beautiful song !!!

[@robynlyn7395]

We played this in band when I was in high school back in the 80's. Classic. I played the bass drum lol. We also played Another One Bites the Dust as we were preforming the half time show. The 80's were the best. Just my opinion, but truly it was 😀

[@drenky]

This was the first single I bought. I still love it a lot and I really like how much you enjoy the music from my youth.

[@YesThatNeal]

Toto is such an underrated band! This album won 6 Grammys in 1983, sweeping all the top categories. So many great songs. Please go down the Toto rabbit hole.

[@bushchat28d]

Now you've heard the original, listen to the cover by leo macchiaioli - its AMAZING!!!, don't think about it, just do it! 😃

[@n2trkys18]

Fo sho!!!

[@VinzClorthokeymasterofGozer]

Definitely worth a listen. He does lots of fun covers.

[@nativetexan9776]

I went and listened and it totally sucked. Leave originals alone!

[@SparkimusPrime]

@@nativetexan9776 No.

[@n2trkys18]

His cover of Adele’s Hello is 🔥!

[@EessaTube]

There is only one way to fully appreciate the astounding talent of all the members of Toto and that is to watch live performances. The live performance of 'Africa' from the concert, 'Falling in Between Live' is excellent.

[@donnamiley6778]

This song is such a vibe. Rosanna and Hold The Line are also great hits of theirs too. Really good songs.

[@onestgermain]

Another Legend ...Toto!

[@brianwilges7780]

Man, I love this reaction. Africa is a Continent. I know a World that is beautiful, that I want to explore

[@studioborgatta3504]

The rains in Africa are the toughest most fierce on the planet. he would test the rains in Africa for his love to her. It's about standing up to the strength of Africa, because it is so difficult to survive Africa, that is how strong his love is for this woman...its very romantic. Fierce Love! At least that has always been my interpretation of this song..

[@bettyzippay236]

BJ the sample you we're speaking of is also in the song in the beginning of scarface movie song, plus it's a sample in one of Mobb Deep ft. Nas - it's mine..

[@theNOVEMBERman1116]

For some reason i just got the notification for this. i knew the song before i knew who the artist was thst sang it great song dope reaction

[@timetravellingone]

They have a very groovy tune called "Waiting for your love" off that same album Toto "IV"

[@ronaldcardinali2809]

You also must react to these other's super songs from them : "Hold the Line", "Rosanna", "Angel don't Cry" , "Georgy porgy" , "I'LL Supply the love", "99" & "I won't hold you back"

[@braddmartins]

Eclectic, dynamic, the most competent band of all time.

[@csw3287]

These songs make Me Really Nostalgic... Y'all take requests? "Eye of The Tiger"? "Born in the U.S.A."? "You're the Inspiration "? "Layla"? Just some of My Favorites from growing up..

[@Britton_Thompson]

This song is a love letter to old 19th century Africa that was still ripe for exploration by daring, thrill seeking Europeans. Back when Africa's wildlife was still plentiful and not on the verge of extinction, and it's tribes were sometimes very hostile to outsiders. The age of the safari hunter; of the diamond miner; and of the chartographer sailing the Congo River in rickety swiftboats just to map the interior of the "dark continent". It's a nostalgic longing for a bygone era of African adventure the narrator missed out on by being born too late. Now, he only has books he can to turn to. Which is why the narrator was sitting in a library in this video, yearning for more than just texts and second hand accounts. He desperately wants to experience that same sense of old time adventure in Africa for himself, but knows is impossible living in the late 20th century.

[@rivergirl3444]

I love the melody and sentiment. Love this

[@scottreacher4620]

I love seeing Asia getting into music. You two are awesome. Sending love from the East Coast Fam.

[@benarmentano3799]

So many of the hit songs you listened to in the 80's had these guys playing on those records...Jeff Porcaro on drums, Steve Lukather on guitar and David Paich on keyboards either played on or wrote so many of the songs of the 80's...

[@diido-swagins687]

i had a bad car crash, my family cared for me when i wasnt moving, i gave tham all this concer it feels special for me

[@stevetrivett9334]

These guys are Top Top musicians most sought after they were basically the house band on Michael Jackson’s Thriller they have a massive catalogue of classic tunes.........

[@Hagfish1002]

This is an iconic rock and roll song from an extremely talented band my friends! 👍

[@michaelhawk-fitz7563]

I would play this on my 40 minute highway ride to work daily for a couple years..along with Send Me an Angel by Real Life..the Rad extended mix..but, that's more of a BMX nostalgia thing..

[@rosliromasarms2111]

What's the Best Music at this Era at 80' s and 90'... My evergreen era of Music 🎵... Subhanallah...

[@janinefreese2892]

"Hold the Line" is probably their best song. I predict you'll love it.

[@dimitrisnikoloulis4071]

What a great song for a pure and wild beauty of the world ...Africa!

[@deantitus9734]

I've got a couple of other songs from Toto for reaction videos for you. Either I'll Be Over You(Michael McDonald on background vocals) or Hold The Line. Just to show the versatility of this great group that was kind of underappreciated!!

[@gilbertorodriguez5344]

CHOCHO digo 🤔 TOTO..BEST MUSIC BAND...THIS IS ABUT ..he is in LOVE whit Her how is WOW 🤪and the turist get chock 🤯wen he see her 💫💥💣💝💔🖤🤎👊✊🤛🤜😈and BANG is LOVE✌

[@RobertSmith-js2kz]

EVERYONE has heard this song (multiple times) at some point in their life. You can't escape it. It was that HUGE and that good. Just dominated top 40 airwaves for a LONG time. When it was new and from that point forward. Guaranteed that familiarity is real.

[@richlisola1]

I think the reference to Africa is that this girl he met, he loved, was meeting him in Africa, or she was from Africa.

[@chrisgrethlein6196]

I believe they wrote this as a love letter to the continent. Having visited there several times, I understand completely. It's a transformative experience! Especially when you stand at the foot of Kilimanjaro. It's awe inspiring.

[@ampthefreethinker5335]

Im 53 years grew up in this, the legendary toto... period 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@Skinny_Popeye]

This song has been sampled a couple of times, nas used it on "new world".

[@jlcortez00]

First heard this when we were stationed in Roosevelt Rhoads Naval Station in Puerto Rico, Good memories, too bad the base closed down.

[@kathyjam2482]

This song was huge it was played everywhere all the time.

[@michaelfarmer6877]

Need to check out the live version from their 35th anniversary concert.... 🔥🔥🔥

[@davidsimonds7963]

Now that you have done this one. We can finally introduce you to Leo Moracchioli . Please do his cover of this song . You will be blown away.

[@bryancollins5064]

You guys bring up a good point. Never thought about it that way.

[@evhleppard]

These guys are top notch musicians. They played on Michael Jacksons Thriller album.

[@echopryme]

Its UNDENIABLY good... I can't think of a single person that would even debate that with me. 😎

[@TechnicallyTexan]

Toto is awesome.

[@lynx2cross]

Africa is truly The motherland for mankind where we all originated from

[@carollittle1059]

His voice! Listen to Holding the Line

[@GoldTop57]

These guys were the band for the majority of Michael Jackson’s thriller album. Check it out.

[@kingvii7250]

This guys in this band is The most hired studio and consert musiscians in The world. Platina and writing music for MJ AND MANY MANY MANY MORE

[@crsounddoctor4937]

TOTO is absolute FIRE!!! Please react to their other songs: "Hold The Line," "Rosanna" and "Georgie Porgy" you'll be glad you did too!!!

[@burtonmediaprod]

Don't forget "99". One of my favs.

[@crsounddoctor4937]

@@burtonmediaprod Yes sir, don't forget 99 too!!!

[@davidelswick6660]

Toto is incredible. You should do the official videos for Rosanna, Hold The Line, St. George and the Dragon, Georgy Porgy, and 99. Other great songs - I Won't Hold You Back, Hydra, "Girl, Goodbye", and many others.

[@kimberly8858]

The condi dance with will farrell. Strong strong man by Rick Astley. What right is right by Taylor hicks

[@joshuacaldwell5270]

TOTO has a great catalog of jams 🤌

[@ronaldelliott4373]

One of the very best, as a matter of fact. Spot on Joshua. Also, their 35 Anniversary Concert DVD is remarkable. Regards

[@dianeritthaler7792]

My sons music producer used to sing with this group ❤

[@eskayh7734]

I didn't know this before looking the song up but apparently this is Toto's only Billboard #1. An enduring legacy, this one. Please react to their song "Georgy Porgy" next.

[@ck58npj72]

John Williams( Star Wars and others) son was lead singer.

[@edwinwestfall7089]

u gonna luv it!!

[@rullmourn1142]

Toto hold the line, and Toto - Without Your Love

[@terryspak5763]

Toto is an extremely talented band, one of those bands where every member has an extensive musical background, and has a LOT of AMAZING songs. P.S. Edit: The members have also worked with countless other well-known musicians, from Cher to Michael Jackson to Jon Anderson, long list.

[@212x3]

I always wondered why there was a vampire problem in Europe but nowhere else. Then I remembered, they blessed the rains down in Africa...

[@Robert-tc1bt]

Luca Stricagnoli - Braveheart (Guitar)

[@yinzer]

Rosanna is my favorite Toto song.

[@user-li4do2go6e]

Yo guys greetings from Greece... Best chorus ever......

[@scooterreacts1822]

Brings back memories... My Nanas favourite song... Nice choice guys!

[@jeffreyferris218]

...everyone has been sampling guys....song is like 40 yrs old....keep it up love it...

[@TheCountofToulouse]

The song is about a Christian missionary. His fiance' is flying in to ask him to come back to England to get married but he has found his meaning in life by spreading the gospel and preaching the WORD in Africa. The line "Gonna take some time to do the things we never have" is telling her, I can't leave...there is still SO much left to do. It's about his passion for the LORD and the people he's teaching. It's also based on a true store that David Paich read in a Readers Digest.