It has been 40 years since “Africa” became an unexpected worldwide hit.
It will take a lot to get me away
Toto, the band that brought “Africa” to life, didn’t think they had a hit. It was almost cut from the album.
Ben Mankiewicz, Turner Classic Movies host, asked Steve Lukather (one of Toto’s founder members) “Did he say that if Africa’ is a success, you’ll run down Hollywood Boulevard nude?”
“I said that!” He smiled. He smiled.
“Sunday Morning” was joined by Lukather, David Paich (another founding member of Toto), and Joseph Williams, a long-time singer – serious musicians who don’t take themselves too seriously.
Williams stated, “There were always many lead singers in this group.” Dave sang lead vocals almost every day.”
Paich stated, “We finally had a lead singer or a high-singing singer.”
Lukather interjected, “What are your talking about?” We were all high!
They were not well received by critics. Lukather said, “They said that our music sounded almost like a tangerine leisure suit.”
These guys are having the last laugh. Toto is perhaps the most “uncool” rock band of all time, with 40 million albums sold and a string that spans decades.
Lukather stated, “Just wouldn’t give up man.” “Didn’t want to give up,” Lukather said.
It all began in Los Angeles with high school pals Paich and Lukather and brothers Jeff, Steve Porcaro, sending demos to record companies.
They required a name.
One of them was late at night watching “The Wizard of Oz”, and Dorothy’s dog became a temporary solution. Or so they thought. Paich stated that “When we got the contract, it said “Toto””. “We couldn’t afford to change our names any longer!”
Lukather added, “The name didn’t help. I don’t think.” It’s easy to pick apart a band named Toto.
The band was talented, no matter what their name. Their first song, “Hold the Line”, reached the Top 5 in 1978.
Toto was already on the map. But, four years later and with three albums, the pressure from the record label was growing. Lukather stated, “They came out with it. Lukather said, “They came right out with it.
Paich said, “You’re one-hit wonders,” or something similar.
Lukather stated that they had agreed to “just go back and do what we do and just write good music and record them.”
They did it with “Toto IV” in 1982. Nine songs were recorded for the album. They needed just one more. They just needed one more: “Africa.”
Click the player below to view the official music video for “Africa”.
Even though “Africa” has been streamed over a billion times on Spotify over the years, it is still as popular today as ever.
Williams stated, “That song had many lives and been covered and used on TV and in films.” It is still loved by younger generations.
Many have wondered how white musicians could capture the spirit and culture of a continent they had never visited. Paich calls the song aspireful. He said, “I just wanted the world to see.” “That was just me writing it, ‘What If? “What if?”
I stopped an elderly man on the wayHoping for old forgotten words and ancient melodies,He turned to me like he was saying “Hurry boy! It’s waiting there”
“Africa” reached #1 in ’83, surpassing “Rosanna”, the album’s original single. This title was inspired partly by Rosanna Arquette, an unknown actress of the time.
Arquette stated, “It really does take you back in the 1980s!” while listening to the song.
She said, “I was in a relationship and I was with Steve Porcaro for quite some time, keyboard player of Toto.” David Paich asked me to sit down at the piano bench, then began to play the song. He looked at me for my reaction. I was shy. I was shy and thought, “Oh, wow.” Like, thanks!'”
Paich said that she had just met Rosanna at her house while working on the song. She didn’t know what a title was for it. I simply pulled her name out of my head because she was so adorable back then – and still is! It just stuck with me.”
“You required a three-syllable title?” asked Mankiewicz.
“I did. It was perfect!
Toto has already released 14 studio albums. But that’s just the beginning. Toto’s members are session players, producers, and writers. They have collaborated with hundreds of artists, including Olivia Newton John, Cheryl Lynn, and Michael McDonald. They can be heard all over Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.” You can hear Eddie Van Halen’s solo in “Beat It”, but all other parts are by Lukather. He has played on between 1,500 to 2,000 albums.
Toto has moved beyond those snarky comments. They value connection with their fans and each other.
Williams stated, “Being in a group of friends, believe or not, makes you better at both your singing and playing, and also makes you looser.”
Paich stated, “It’s testament to the dedication, I think, the band.” It’s the integrity of the music which keeps everyone moving forward.
Lukather stated, “Never imagined it would take this long of an ride, and then have it continue to do so well.”
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Gabriel Falcon produced the story. Editor: Steven Tyler.
