ONE OF THE BEST HOOKS OF ALL-TIME? MOST RANDOM SONG?! First Time Hearing Toto - Africa Reaction!

Get ready to embark on a musical adventure as we react to Toto's "Africa" for the first time! Renowned for its unforgettable hook and distinctive sound, we're eager to find out why this song has captured the hearts of so many and has become an enduring classic.
🎸 About Toto: Toto, an American rock band, gained widespread fame in the 80s. Their song "Africa" is celebrated not only for its catchy tune and rhythmic melody but also for its somewhat mystical and random lyrics, making it a unique piece in the world of music.
🌍 In This Video: Join us as we dive into Toto's "Africa". We've heard that the song's hook is among the best of all time, and its lyrics are intriguingly random. Expect reactions full of surprise, enjoyment, and our thoughts on what makes "Africa" such a beloved and iconic song.
👫 Why React as a Couple?: Discovering music that has stood the test of time together adds a special element to our reactions. We're both excited to explore the appeal of "Africa" by Toto and share our journey into this classic track with you.
🔔 Subscribe for More Music Reactions: If you're a fan of timeless music or just love exploring songs that have made a significant impact, make sure to subscribe to our channel. We're on a mission to discover and react to iconic songs, and we'd love for you to join us.
💬 Your Thoughts: What's your take on Toto's "Africa"? Do you think it has one of the best hooks in music history? Let us know in the comments section below, and feel free to suggest other classic songs for future reactions!
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You can find Toto - Africa at the link below:
• Toto - Africa (Officia...
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You can find Toto - Hold The Line on Spotify and Apple Music at the links below:
open.spotify.c...
music.apple.co...
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For any reaction suggestions - drop them in the comments!
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#toto #africa #musicreaction

[@wolfgangengel4835]

This is maybe the most played song on the radio since 40 years. I'm always surprised to find out there are people who never heard this before. 😅

[@kbrewski1]

I highly doubt its the most played song in the last 40 years. I would bet its not in the top 10.

[@michaelhansen8598]

Wrong

[@jenniferandrews1917]

Or maybe Hotel California

[@visaman]

​@kbrewski1 it is actually on Spotify at least.

[@kbrewski1]

@visaman Its on Spotify to listen to or its the most played song of the last 40 years on Spotify? Use your words.

[@DaveBeard24]

After 40 years this song stands the test of time

[@mrmark5595]

Hats off to anyone that puts kilamanjaro, Olympus, and serengetti in one verse

[@jasongriggs8373]

Great comment!!!!!

[@Skywalker567]

Haha! Great comment! I've always loved that lyric, never sure what it actually meant but figured it meant something important

[@3DJapan]

Unfortunately they feel forced to fit the melody.

[@mrmark5595]

@@3DJapan I thought they did it masterfully. Hence, the hat tip.

[@johnare3617]

Absolutely, they did great fitting 4 syllable words into a 3 syllable melody. Very cool!

[@SeaMark782]

Toto is from Van Nuys, CA, the San Fernando Valley part of LA. It still blows my mind to see my high school friends on videos. Jeff, Mike and Steve Porcaro, Paitch and Lukather. We watched and heard them go from playing in garages to the big time. Who knew when we were 18 that this would become the golden age of music. Geeze, the stories. It's a great time to still be alive!

[@changesnlatitudes]

17 years ago I had decided that I needed to shake up my life. I was thinking of traveling but couldn't decide where when this song came on the radio. Fast forward...I have been living in Tanzania since 2007 (from the US) and I have never regretted the move. This song is still special to me.

[@timinglismusic6707]

I actually regard this as the perfect pop song. Everything about it, writing, arrangement, instrumentation and sonic choices, mixing, and the performance... incredible song.

[@joeykopack]

The harmonizations on the chorus gives me chills every time

[@andrea-v2s]

maybe because the harmonizations in this song are a masterpiece

[@JeterSwisherFan88]

They do the same thing to me, too.

[@davidboivin7996]

One of the most talented group of musicians ever assembled. Some live performances would be well worth it.

[@66JesterDeath]

Africa is one of the greatest songs ever made

[@kbrewski1]

In which universe is that?

[@Chevymetal69z28]

Some of these musicians were key players on MJ's Thriller album and many other well known bands. All these members are great musicians.

[@Crazychick64]

Except for Eddie Van Halen solo they played all the instruments on Beat it

[@robertclymer6948]

Yes! Right, don't forget Steve Pocaro's Song "human nature" that Michael Jackson did too!

[@RaynorBear]

I suggest "Rosanna" for your next Toto reaction, and I also suggest using the official video for it. The video complements the song so very nicely!!!! Other great songs by Toto are "99", which is my personal favorite by them, as well as "Georgy Porgy" and "I'll Be Over You."

[@Chilli-dg7in]

This is the very first song i remembering hearing i must have been like 4-5 years old, but i can cleary remember it, it has stuck all that time since.

[@sinkmorekush6729]

This song was made during one of Africas biggest drought bless the rains down in africa

[@observermi8796]

Toto were made up of session players (hired gun musicians for various artists and projects, best of the best) and got together to start their own band. Like gathering lone elites to form a group. It showed from musicianship, vocal to writing. An incredibly talented group.

[@Freempg]

They basically grew up together knew.

[@larsrosberg3321]

They started a band in school before they were session musicians

[@zacharythomasrobertson8471]

Yep, they were all badasses.

[@Nitramrec]

No. It was the other way round. First they started the band during their high dvhool time, later they got well known as really good session musicians.

[@Sam76t43]

I’m from South Africa and this track and band lives forever ❤

[@AM-jm5ux]

The song is just a man’s love for the continent of Africa. The lyrics were inspired by a late night documentary that depicted the suffering of the African people.

[@matlocklane687]

I was living in Africa when this song came out. Whenever I hear it I am instantly transported to my youth to another continent, another time.

[@landmarkcreations1183]

How did the people in Africa feel about this song?

[@TheEricthefruitbat]

For me, this is the song of the 80s. There are a few songs that take me back to that era of my life, but this has the strongest pull. It is just soooo good.

[@Falconer1128]

This is one of my favorite songs. I've always taken the meaning to be like a journey of self-discovery. Like a "secret life of Walter mitty" kind of thing. He goes to Africa in search of himself before he self destructs because his world is lacking meaning and substance. So, he needs inspiration, guidance, and answers to his deepest personal questions about who he really is. And, I've always felt the chorus is about the love of his life that got away. She left him and that caused the hole in his life. But even though she is gone, either left him or passed away, he's vowing to do the things they never got to do when they were together because they ran out of time. And maybe that is what's sent him to Africa in the first place. An adventure they always wanted to do together. P.s. I've read that Toto is made up of members who are all session musicians who've played on singles from many other bands. They came together to make their own music and it became the epic Toto. Rosana is a great tune. I may be wrong, but, I believe Rosana was their first hit single.

[@Don-n6o]

I love this song. It came out in the winter of 1983, a great time in my life.

[@andrewreiber7691]

I hate saying this but… fun fact, the lead singer, Joseph Williams is the son of legendary film score composer John Williams who gave us music from films such as Jaws, Superman, Star Wars, Indiana Jones and Jurassic Park, among many others.

[@MZ-jn1xh]

Oh wow. Did not know that. Music runs in the fam for sure.

[@001lessie]

The leads in the chorus are actually Bobby Kimball. Joseph Williams joined the band a couple of years later..

[@Coowallsky]

Check your fact. Lead was David Paich until Bobby Kimball sang lead on the chorus. Williams arrived 4 tear later. (Not "a couple")

[@001lessie]

@@Coowallsky kimball left in 82, Williams Joined in 86

[@Coowallsky]

@@001lessie That's wha I said. (I was referring to Paich singing lead on this song). Sorry for the confusion.

[@vernhoke7730]

The 3 major hits from this band, Hold the Line, Rosanna and Africa, are great live. There's concert videos, I believe their 35th anniversary tour, with Joseph Williams sing lead that are outstanding.

[@kbrewski1]

Which is funny because their best song and probably their best album is Hydra.

[@janleonard3101]

I remember hearing "I'll Be Over You" and and "I Won't Hold You Back" on the radio back in the day.

[@earth2kosmickitty]

@@janleonard3101 Yes, two of my faves!!! :)

[@boballen818]

99 was pretty big too

[@kbrewski1]

@boballen818 I always thought 99 was about the gal in Get Smart. Turns out its about George Lucas' 1st movie.

[@donuttech635]

This song has special meaning to me. I was just finishing my leave after I had finished basic trading in the Army. I was driving to my first duty station which as Ft Riley Kansas, jamming out on my radio. It was around the middle of December and as I drove over a hill and caught my first glimpse of the fort in a distance this song was playing as I had my Toto cassette in the tape player. Every time I hear this song I think of that time in 1982.

[@peterokeeffe8307]

Weezer did a very good cover of this a couple of years ago which was quite popular. Toto are one of those rare bands that could delve into any style of music and do it well. I love them and had the absolute pleasure of seeing them in concert a few years ago. The hole to delve into is very deep with Toto. My favourite would be a ballad - 'I Remember You'.

[@jasonq111]

One of the greatest pre-choruses and chorus ever written…..

[@waynehauser3611]

One of my favorite songs by Toto is , I won't hold you back now ! Studio version. This band is fully loaded with so much talent it's crazy ! Peace n love from down under 😎✌

[@scottallen6160]

When MTV first started, a lot of bands wanted to extend their audience by making videos for their new songs. Unfortunately, there were a lot of video producers who knew nothing of what the song was about. The bands were stuck with a video that was confusing because of ‘the vision’ of the ‘artistic’ producer. Few bands took control of their videos production to share their own meaning of the song.

[@guinkoo]

The drummer, Jeff Porcaro, the keyboardist and the guitarist are all Porcaros! Awesome family!!!

[@fisseremen]

Mike Porcaro played the bass, may he rest in peace. Amazing family.

[@김정훈-p2g]

This is one of my favorite songs in college in the early '80s I remember how good this song was, and I always requested this song from a music DJ But 40 years have already passed........

[@hudsonhollow]

We are ALL from Africa and that music is in all of us.

[@55MYAGE]

The story behind Toto's Africa So, why did Toto write “Africa”? David Paich, the song’s co-writer, was inspired by a documentary he saw about Africa. The images of the continent’s struggles and beauty stuck with him, leading him to write this song as a way to connect with and bring attention to Africa.

[@robfhiuo1]

I am from Africa and we love this song

[@DavidTateVA]

Since it's Christmas, you should (as a couple of other people have noted) definitely check out the parody of this done by the a capella group Straight No Chaser, many years ago, as part of a Christmas concert. That video was so popular that the group members all quit their day jobs and got back together to tour.

[@alanneel1369]

I went to see Ringo Starr in Sep. and his guitar player is the guitarist from Toto they played this and the 2 other hits and it was very damn good Ringo on drums Edgar Winter on Keys man such a great show

[@debbiejohnson1484]

Lucky you! That's one show I would love to have seen!

[@alanneel1369]

@@debbiejohnson1484 I'd love to go again😀

[@realbser1956]

14 studio albums, I’ve got em all in one form or another. Steve Lukather played guitar on Beat It by Michael Jackson. Toto played with Boz Scaggs and other artists as well before going out on their own. They could play anything, rock, jazz, pop. Definitely react to Rosanna next. It has the Rosanna drum shuffle which you have to have heard repeated in many other songs. 🔥

[@anthonywilson7681]

the "Beat It" solo was definitely Eddie Van Halen

[@realbser1956]

@@anthonywilson7681 Yes, you are right but Steve played on the song as well.

[@michaelconnor1542]

Weezer did a cover just a few years ago. Which sparked a back and for cover-off between the two bands. Both ended up releasing cover albums, including each other's songs and of other bands. It was rather amusing.

[@brentgunderson1349]

Saw them live several summers ago at Summerfest in Milwaukee. Went to see 80's new wave/synth-pop band Berlin (Excellent) and when they were done wandered over to see Toto, who were just starting on another stage. So good! And they did a cool long version of "Africa"...really showcasing the instruments.

[@davidjohns2772]

Great reaction! You should try 99 and Georgy Porgy by Toto for some more diversity sounds from this group. They really have a dynamic that was only surpassed by Queen. Fun fact: Hold the Line's keyboard part inspired a song by Jefferson Starship called Jane. You guys should check that out as well 🙂

[@kbrewski1]

Georgy Porgy? 🤮 wretched. HYDRA OFF HYDRA for some real rock. Don't steer them to pop pablum Toto.

[@CatherinePearl100]

Those are actually my two favorite songs of theirs 👍🙂

[@markhodge7]

Simply a great song. Great lyrics. Great music. On my playlist. Loved it when it first came out, and never turn it off when it comes on.

[@truckrboat]

The video features Toto in a library, as they perform and showcase various aspects of African culture. From the Wiki: n 2015, Paich explained that the song is about a man's love of a continent, Africa, rather than just a personal romance.[17] 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."[18] 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."

[@saturnnet1627]

I wish the reactors wouldn't get so caught up in the videos of the songs and focus more on the music itself.

[@robbob5302]

Unfortunately, the video featured nothing African I wanted to see zebra herds being chased by helicopters. Kilimanjaro. The whole nine yards. Instead, I saw a sound studio. And nothing else.

[@davidkelly5459]

@@robbob5302 There is always ONE! 🤫

[@wgsips]

Imagine seeing these guys live! 🔥 Toto is such a great band with great musicians! 🎤🎶💜 Glad that i got to see them several times!!

[@GrumpyOldGuyPlaysGames]

I know I'm coming in late on this but something I always thought was cool about Toto is that, because of their long history of working a session musicians during the 70s and 80s before they made it huge, they appeared on something like 70% of all music produced in the US commercially between 1978 and 1983. As for the song, it has been memorialized by the nation of Namibia. In the middle of the Namib desert in southern africa, there stands a monument consisting of five columns, four surrounding a fifth. On the center column is a solar-powered MP3 player in a weather-resistant case. On the other four are speakers. "Africa" by Toto plays there 24/7/365 and had been doing so now since 2019. The Namib is one of the driest parts of the world, with an average yearly rainfall of less than a tenth of an inch. Every month or so a technician goes out to make sure the wires are still hooked up and to brush sand away, but otherwise it is designed to play for centuries, and there is no reason why it wouldn't.

[@ElizasGrammy]

One of the most underrated bands of all time. Yes, Rosanna, definitely! ;-) Thanks!

[@claygirlcan]

I've been to Africa, to Kenya specifically :) and yes, it's beautiful. I am not of that ethnicity but I can speak to it regardless of cancel culture; I am blessed to have been given a Kenyan name by the families I lived with over there. These opinions of the present century are not worth your time. You guys give good feedback, and enjoy good music. Keep it up!

[@angelado3]

♥♥♥ this song

[@BillGraper]

My favorite Toto song is "I Won't Hold You Back." I love ballads. This was a great one! Weezer did a cover of "Africa" a few years ago, and you couldn't get away from it. I bet that's the version you heard.

[@amberburris5674]

This is one of the greatest songs of all time in my humble opinion!!!! I LOVE listening to it when I'm out hiking here in Indiana :) Merry Christmas to ya both!

[@ΠαναγιώτηςΠαπακωνσταντίνου-φ7μ]

this is the most perfect chorus ever written

[@hokiedoo]

I loved this song when it was released in 1982 and I still do to the day!!!

[@timbyrdmusic]

Love this song. And the atmosphere sounds familiar because, Steve Porcaro from Toto wrote "Human Nature" for Michael Jackson...

[@t0dd000]

Roseanna is a great song, but it is famous amongst us drummers for the half-time cadence used by the drummer throughout. Folks often call it the Rosanna Shuffle.

[@beckiramsey9561]

Love this song, very cool music in there, along with the music in there!!❤❤❤🔥🔥🔥. The great 80’s!!🔥🔥 Thanks guys!!❤❤❤👍👍👍

[@titools4375]

Beautiful, beautiful song, just a gem from the 80's it'll never get old, doesn't matter what time future generations will still be listening to this, but one of those songs that will never sound old.

[@mavfin8720]

This is very much an iconic 80s song. Unique, really. I don't even put this in a genre. 'Africa' by Toto just...is. I remember it well. I was 13 years old.

[@robertg7396]

This song has always been a vibe! 🌍🦁🦒🐘🇿🇦

[@sherryjoiner396]

My 1st concert, 1985, Toto with John Parr opening. Great show!

[@CJ-Fischer]

Toto was the backing band for Michael Jackson’s “Thriller”. See you learn something new every day 😮

[@joycegibbs5267]

they wrote the song, "Human Nature", I believe ?

[@Coowallsky]

Session players

[@danaberman6929]

One of my favorite bands back in high school...

[@alchemy-oi8xf]

If you like to hear one by Toto more in the vein of "Hold the Line", (with the same lead singer, Bobby Kimball), I'd suggest the rocker "I'll Supply the Love". In "Africa" David Paich sang lead.

[@jaycee167]

"I'll Supply The Love" is one of their most underrated songs. The video is great because it introduces the band members in the intro.

[@billofalltrades2633]

A great song! Memories of my youth lol great reaction!

[@kevinehle6637]

Yes on Rosanna. I recall on my last day of high school, I got in my car and this song was playing on my Toto cassette tape. Fun memories.

[@russelldye3751]

They had some great songs including ballads like I won’t hold you back,I’ll be over you ,Rosanna, Pamela, plus the big hits Africa,Hold the line,99,etc!

[@TrianglesAndCircles]

We serenaded at Prom to this song is the 80s❤

[@bgt54rfvcde32wsxzaq1]

Gotta listen to all their hits you listed 🕺🏽💃🏽

[@JDoors]

I remember exactly where I was when I first heard this song back in '82, it was that revelatory. I was driving back from a long trip, probably eight hours or more, it was late at night, I was on the highway nearing home, and this came on the radio. What is this??? The drums, the keyboards, the chorus ... it was enchanting. Whew, that was over forty years ago, and I remember everything, the exact place I was on the highway (coincidentally, it was the highway through the town I now live in), the night air, all of it, perfectly.

[@kyrisgeorgiou9197]

Talking about enduring classics. "Love is like oxygen" by Sweet. Pure magic. "Been there when this came out" is fast becoming a badge of honour. The associations that flood the mind are immense.

[@mjtribby6328]

Live in concert, Paris 2007, great concert. Check it out in off time.

[@timwhelan4347]

Yeah this song is used so often.. Top gear had it in the background of one of their specials in africa..

[@MountainMan.]

How this could be your first time hearing....I just can't imagine that.

[@White-Silent]

That’s exactly what I say to myself about all the reactions of cult music that you find on you tube. Sometimes I think they lie when they say that this is the first time they listen to this or that music. :p

[@cnote3492]

As much as I enjoy Live versions, I still prefer reactions to be done to the Studio versions as they were the versions of the songs that most of us first heard and fell in love with. Its very rare for your very first listen of a new band to be a concert , most of us cut our musical teeth on albums at parties and on radios during car trips or out back having a BBQ. So my vote is to listen to the clean studio version and hear what the band figured to be, the best version of their songs.

[@double00spy]

You must also hear the Angel City Chorale's version of this song. It is unique and mind-blowing.

[@blakemcelrath54]

I remember hearing this on the Top glGear Africa special when the lads were searching for the source of the river Nile

[@ZoomIDoRx8]

Always have loved this song!

[@garyarnett1220]

THis song is played everywhere, even more now than when it was released.

[@jamesbondbond8388]

I bless bthe rains down in Africa !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Beautiful

[@evhleppard]

Great band, very accomplished musicians

[@robertclymer6948]

They are from L.A. California. and PLEASE do Music Video of "Pamela" soon. Thanks for sharing. Love the channel. Love and blessings from Michigan usa.

[@billboyd9028]

You'll probably like "Rosanna", and if my memory serves it was written about Rosanna Arquette - I may be mis-remembering that, but it seems like that was the story behind it.

[@visaman]

The singer was dating her.

[@badbob6689]

This was my favorite song they ever did.

[@EvilSnipa]

You guys should Look into Toto more. These guys worked on Thousands of hits. Also worked on like 5 songs of Micheal Jackson's Thriller Album.

[@willlockler9433]

Toto Total great assebllsge of really talented studio musicians. Musical soundtrack to the times if you lived it. Still good.

[@OrangeMonkey2112]

Great song. Africa IS the first continent to represent the 7 scales musically. Just a little fact most people are unaware of. Started with a percussion instruments

[@thomassmith6232]

One of my three favorite videos of all time. The other two are Gypsy by Fleetwood Mac and No Time to Lose by the Tarney Spencer Band.

[@williamparrish9954]

one of my favorite bands please do more Toto

[@jimreid4367]

This song by Toto has been used in multiple American TV shows , The Goldbergs , American Dad , New Girl , Stranger Things , Good Girls , Community , Love Island .

[@billbox1916]

Rosanna is a must! Great reaction, love you guys!

[@MaikLiesegang]

I absolutely love this song and I would like to see your reaction to Tommy Johanssons cover (or update). He is the guitarist from SABATON has an outstanding voice and made an epic metal version.

[@mr.daisock1728]

Now you have to see "Toto - Africa (metal cover by Leo Moracchioli feat. Rabea & Hannah)" . And please don't skip the Outro .

[@johnbuck3374]

You beat me to it. I love that version.

[@jeremygrimes9203]

One of the best song ever🙏👍

[@DavidSingerSongwtr]

Listen to John Mayer Last Train Home from a couple years ago as it has famous keyboardist Greg Philigaines doing the same keyboard as Africa on his song. It is excellent.

[@TerryKrysinski]

A very deep well with Toto,guys...keep 'em coming! Roseanna was another huge hit,but they have tons of great stuff! Dive in..T

[@SG-js2qn]

Something to keep in mind while listening to this is that a similarly exotic sounding hit tune was released in late 1981 by Men At Work called "Down Under." Previously, in the summer of '81, the movie "Raiders of the Lost Ark" was released (a huge hit). Toto's "Africa" was released in late '82. So ... "Raiders" then "Down Under" then "Africa." There was a revived interest in exploration and the exotic. As the decade went on, Paul Simon's "Graceland" was released, featuring African stylings, and in world politics, South Africa's policy of apartheid was practically daily news.

[@SG-js2qn]

@@deeperanddown Are you afraid that people don't know how to think and you need to tell them how to do it? Good grief.

[@SG-js2qn]

@@deeperanddown Didn't read. Just muted. Have a good one.

[@jameswilson7790]

Actually, "Africa" prevented "Down Under" from spending 5 straight weeks at #1. The songs battled for chart supremacy in January and February of 1983.

[@nunchuck_norris]

A hook that gets you hooked, so to speak.

[@RockinMamaT]

Great reaction❤Much love from Canada❤🇨🇦

[@sgtdarryldm]

Pamela and till the end are excellent songs and music videos

[@CatherinePearl100]

I always thought the song was about a guy who was so enchanted by Africa that he just had to get back.

[@correctlyrics]

Phil & Sam, remember when you did "In Your Eyes" by Peter Gabriel? Well, that song and "Rosanna" by Toto are about the same woman.

[@bumperu]

My top 3 80s tunes: This one. Don Henley's The Boys of Summer and The Car's Drive.

[@bigtbone4469]

Now you guys need to listen/react to Leo Moracchioli"s version. It is amazing. 🤘

[@kbrewski1]

I had an idea for a song about Africa after watching years of Marlin Perkins Wild Kingdom on TV. It involved some lions, and Marlin Perkins running.