Toto - Africa - Lyrics Meaning

Africa was written and recorded by a pop group known as Toto. Toto came from all corners of the US and got to know each other working together as session musicians. In 1977 they decided to form a group of their own, and Africa was one of their finest efforts, Written by group members, keyboardist David Paich who played keyboards and drummer Jeff Porcaro, with Paich taking up the lead vocals with the other group members Bobby Kimball and Steve Lukather adding to the close harmonied backing.

Africa enjoyed great success on both sides of the Atlantic reaching number one in the Billboard Hot 100 chart during February 1983 and as high as third spot of the UK charts in the same month.

The tune enjoys tremendous production and the musical skills of the group members were there to enjoy as well as their close harmonies. To most connoisseurs of good music what makes Africa stand out more than anything else, is the exquisitely crafted lyrics. The song's describes the beauty and geographical majesty of the vast and largely uncharted continent of Africa and a man's dilemma of choosing between the one he loves and his home and life in Africa.

"I know that I must do what's right, sure as Kilimanjaro rises like Olympus above the Serengeti."

Surely one of the most intricate and beautiful lines ever included in a popular song