‘Africa’ Lives On After 30 Years


Don’t miss David Paich as he breaks down “The Anatomy of a Song” for Rock Cellar Magazine!

In the opening line of the songby Toto, David Paich sings: I hear the drums echoing tonight

Those drums are still echoing loud and clear on this months 30th anniversary ofreaching #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. The 1983 worldwide hit was written by Toto keyboardist David Paich, along with drummer Jeff Porcaro, who died tragically in 1992.

Toto remains one of the top-selling tour acts in the world, with over 30 million records sold. Their upcoming European tour kicks off this May in Brussels, where theyll be performing hits includingHold the Line,I Wont Hold You Backand, of course, the bands most recognizable song,Africa.

To reflect on the 30th anniversary ofhitting #1 on Billboard, David Paich spoke exclusively with Rock Cellar Magazine about the origins of the song and its enduring mystique.

From totoofficial.com