"Toto" is a classic rock song by the American rock band Toto, released in 1982 as the second single from their album "Toto IV." The song has remained popular over the years and has some interesting facts associated with it:
Inspiration from a documentary: The song "Africa" was inspired by a documentary the band members saw on TV. The documentary featured scenes of African landscapes and wildlife, which served as the inspiration for the song's lyrics.
Iconic chorus: The chorus of "Africa" is one of the most recognizable and memorable in the history of rock music. The repetitive refrain of "I bless the rains down in Africa" has become an iconic part of the song.
Lyrically cryptic: The song's lyrics are somewhat cryptic and have been the subject of much interpretation and discussion among fans. They include references to Kilimanjaro, Serengeti, and the moonlit wings reflecting the stars that guide travelers at night.
Chart-topping success: "Africa" was a commercial success for Toto. It reached the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in February 1983, and it remained there for a month. It also reached the top of several other international charts.
Grammy Awards: "Africa" won two Grammy Awards in 1983. It received the Grammy Award for Record of the Year and was also nominated for Song of the Year.
Enduring popularity: Despite being released in 1982, "Africa" continues to be a popular and enduring song. It has been covered and sampled by various artists and has appeared in numerous films, TV shows, and commercials.
Viral resurgence: In the 2010s, "Africa" experienced a resurgence in popularity, thanks in part to internet culture. The song became a meme and was often used humorously in online videos and social media.
Cover versions: Many artists have covered "Africa" over the years, including Weezer, whose cover in 2018 also gained significant attention and chart success.
Philanthropic efforts: In 2018, Toto's keyboardist, David Paich, announced that he was donating his share of the song's royalties to charity. He chose to support music education programs.
Toto's legacy: "Africa" remains one of Toto's most iconic songs, and the band's legacy is closely tied to the success of this track. It continues to be celebrated by fans of both Toto and classic rock music.