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Toto – Africa

"Toto" is a song by the American rock band Toto, released as the fourth single from their album "Toto IV" in 1982. Here are some interesting facts about the song "Africa":

  1. Composition and Inspiration:

    • The song was written by band members David Paich and Jeff Porcaro. Paich was inspired by his love for Africa and African music, as well as his fascination with a late-night documentary about the continent.
  2. Recording Process:

    • The iconic sound of rain in the background was created by recording the sound of a storm on a cassette tape and playing it back during the recording of the song.
  3. Album Success:

    • "Africa" was one of the singles from the album "Toto IV," which went on to become very successful. The album won several Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year.
  4. Chart Performance:

    • "Africa" reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States in 1983, making it Toto's only Billboard Hot 100 number-one single.
  5. Internet Resurgence:

    • In the 21st century, "Africa" experienced a resurgence in popularity, becoming an internet meme. This led to a renewed interest in the song, and it gained a new generation of fans.
  6. Cover Versions:

    • The song has been covered and parodied by various artists and groups. Notably, Weezer released a cover of "Africa" in 2018, responding to a fan campaign on social media requesting the band to cover the song.
  7. Enduring Popularity:

    • "Africa" has remained popular over the years and is often featured in movies, TV shows, and commercials. Its catchy melody and unique blend of rock and world music elements contribute to its enduring appeal.
  8. Cultural Impact:

    • The song has become a cultural phenomenon, with its memorable chorus and distinctive sound making it a classic. It continues to be widely played on radio stations around the world.
  9. Legacy:

    • "Africa" is considered one of Toto's signature songs and is often associated with the band. Its enduring popularity has solidified its place in the musical landscape.

These facts highlight the cultural impact and enduring popularity of Toto's "Africa." The song's unique blend of musical elements and catchy melody has made it a timeless classic.

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