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Africa
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cover of toto classic 80s synth soft rock
80s synthsoft rock
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i am Steve Weyman from Bristol England and been playing guitar since I was 9 years of age and doing paid gigs in bands from age 14 playing covers and originals. I am a bit older ( quite a bit older now ! I am not gigging at the moment . I am teaching guitar and concentrating more on writing and recording in m y little home studio. Don't write in a particular style, it comes out how it comes out !
Song Info
Genre
Rock • Cover Songs
Charts
Peak #6
Peak in subgenre #1
Author
David Paich , Jeff Porcaro
Rights
original writers
Uploaded
October 28, 2024
Track Files
MP3
MP3 11.3 MB • 320 kbps • 4:56
Meta Data
BPM
92
Beat
4/4
Key
B ♭ maj
Vocals
Male
Character
Energy
relaxed, cool
high-energy
Danceable
coffee-place
dancefloor
Positivity
dark, sad, angry
happy
Appeal
unique
radio-friendly
Story behind the song
David Paich wrote the lyrics inspired by the love of African music and cultural imigary even though he never went to Africa. I recorded it as part of my 80s bucket list songs. I can honestly say it's one of the hardest songs i've had to learn and record. I've always loved the song but having never performed it live , didn't realise how complexed it was from the percussion , synth work and tones right up to the many layers of vocal harmonies which were really tough to get right and really high in parts ! It could be seen to be in 3 keys ! the main part in B major , the chorus in A major and A lydian comes in some parts ! I've dropped it down half a tone for my old voice ! not your average pop song ! I hope i've done it justice.
Lyrics
I hear the drums echoing tonight she hears only whispers of some quiet conversation she's coming in 12.30 flight The moonlit wings reflect the stars that guide me toward salvation I stopped an old man along the way hoping to find some old forgotten words or ancient melodies He turned to me as if to say "hurry boy , it's waiting there for you " Gonna take a lot to drag me away from you There's nothing that a hundred men or more could ever do I bless the rains down in Africa Gonna take some time to do the things we never had Ooo Ooo The wild dogs cry out in the night As they grow restless longing for some solitary company I know that I must do what's right As sure as Kilimanjaro rises like Olympus above the Serengeti I seek to cure what's deep inside Frightened of this thing that I've become Gonna take a lot to drag me away from you There's nothing that a hundred men or more could ever do I bless the rains down in Africa Gonna take some time to do the things we never had Ooo Ooo Music interlude "hurry boy, she's waiting there for you" It's gonna take a lot to drag me away from you There's nothing that a hundred men or more could ever do I bless the rains down in africa I bless the rains down in Africa ( I bless the rains) I bless the rains down in Africa (I bless the rains) I bless the rains down in Africa I bless the rains down in Africa ( Ooo I'm gonna take the time ) Gonna take the time to do the things we never had Ooo Ooo outro
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Comments 16
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GeeS1
Apr 11
saw Steve Lukather with Ringo on the All Star Tour in Brisbane 12 years ago and they did this and it was pure magic...really great cover and you've totally captured that smooth and wonderful melody of this song! Keys are stunning as are harmonies and mix/production is superb.
YogaNugrohoUtomo
Jan 26
Tabarakallaah Mantap InsyaaAllaah sukses
soundsbyramolly
Jan 19
Beautiful cover production Steve,always on top of your skills, congratulations!
Bob Forbes
Dec 30, 2024
Ah, a Toto cover :) Well done here Steve! Bravo - especially on the vocal harmonies!
Oddger
Dec 28, 2024
Impressive cover! This is actually a very difficult song to master, but you pulled it off beautifully! Super job!
Swampman
Dec 22, 2024
Awesome cover cuz have a great Christmas
BrettService
Dec 08, 2024
Takes talent to take on a song like this and pull it off like you have here. Keyboards sound great, vocals, guitar mix are all spot on. Very much enjoyed.
DOOMTRAINmusic
Nov 13, 2024
GREAT cover of this song Steve, to my mind your best work so far, 5 stars +++
Ridiculousdream
Nov 04, 2024
Cool cover! Lots of great energy.
jameydarnold
Nov 01, 2024
Genius! Your vocal is spot on with very difficult harmonies! great job on this one my man.
seth smivet
Nov 01, 2024
Flawless. You don’t pick the easy ones do you? This must have been so tricky to do - I know I could never even attempt it, but you’ve pulled it off with considerable aplomb. Fantastic job and as David said improves on the original. Outstanding work Steve!
Tony DeLecce
Oct 29, 2024
Wow is all I can say. This is talent at a complete new level. Great cover. I did notice the key change and I would not blame it on an old man voice. I say it has to be with being human. lol. The harmonies are still quite high. The key change does not impact the great quality on this cover. I am very impressed.
davidabriggs
Oct 28, 2024
Oh wow, this is such a fantastic cover. The percussion and the synths. The way you sing 'Serengetti', actually works. I always found that bit grated on my ears on the original recording. They should have phrased it like you've done. Your vocals are tremendous. I'd never attempt to cover such a song. Oh, no, I go for louder, brasher and much more 'crash, bang wallop', kinds of songs...it allows me to get away a lot more mistakes ! Well done steve.
KeithMitchell
Oct 28, 2024
Another wow Steve! You never disappoint. Apart from the original THIS IS the best cover version I've ever heard of this classic song. Well done. Brilliant as usual.
Nigel Hardy
Oct 28, 2024
Wow!! Steve, you totally nailed this. Great cover and the synth brass is spot on. Every element played and sung to perfection! Top marks!
rodrica
Oct 28, 2024
There are so many complexities about this song, it is extremely hard to perform, so I was totally blown away by your version. You've nailed both the music and vocals. The structure & techniques used when they originated this song make it an absolute nightmare to capture, but you've done it perfectly - even managed to get that distinctive vibe! To recreate a piece of music originated by such accomplished musicians is a fantastic achievement...and you've done every part yourself! Perfect job, a real masterclass in musicianship and production!