Welcome to the African Journeys: Toto's 'Africa' and My Personal Encounter

When you hear the song 'Africa' by Toto, what first comes to mind? For me, it's a cherished memory from my days of being in a long-distance relationship. The song's powerful lyrics and catchy melody have a lasting impact that lingers even decades later.

Lyrics and Personal Reflection

I loved the song 'Africa' and the first thing it brought to my mind was eagerly waiting for my fiancée to arrive at the airport. The lines 'It's gonna take some time to do the things that we never have,' rang a chord with me. Even today, decades later, the drive to the airport still resonates within me whenever I hear this song.

Reflecting on the lyrics, I felt a connection to the theme of enduring love and the journey of life. I rewrote those lines, imagining the words as a blessing on a map: "I bless the rains down in Africa, gonna take some time to do the things we never had." This imagery encapsulates the essence of the journey and the enduring impact of the song.

Visualizing the Song

As I listened to 'Africa,' an image emerged in my mind—a withered, wrinkled brown paper map. The map rests on a bare, wooden table, with primitive markings indicating the borders and mountains of the African continent. A faded, burgundy pencil line charts a path, and at the left edge of the map, there's a large "X" marking the unknown destination. The lantern on the table is old and smudged, with soot building up in its chimney. Its dancing shadows contrast with a well-used, frayed scaling rope delicately wound near the cobalt blue, speckled enamel coffee pot. The dirty, tan canvas tarp of the tent, with oil stains, looks well-used and dusty. The quiet, lonely atmosphere evokes a sense of twilight darkness and deep contemplation made famous by the Indiana Jones style. Toto's 'Africa' had done this to me.

Personal Experiences with Africa

My love for Africa extends beyond the memories of the song. My short visit to your beautiful country in 1967 remains a highlight. I marveled at the vast array of wild game and the breathtaking sight of Murchison Falls. The beauty of these encounters left a lasting impression, especially the early morning drive from Kampala to Nairobi with the stunning pink and duck egg blue sky as dawn broke.

However, my feelings towards Africa were not always positive. In the 1970s, as I followed the events from Europe, I was saddened and angered by Idi Amin's brutal behavior as the President of Uganda. Wikipedia describes him as 'one of the most brutal despots in modern world history' and he was known as 'The Butcher of Uganda.' His actions left a deep scar on the hearts and minds of many who witnessed the horrors during his presidency.

Exploring the Beauty and Tragedy of Africa

Africa is a continent of contrasts, blending the incredible beauty of its landscapes with the tragic history of its people. Songs like Toto's 'Africa' capture the essence of this, weaving emotions of longing, love, and respect. Whether through the song's lyrics or personal experiences, Africa continues to leave an indelible mark on those who visit and those who imagine it.

Keywords: African Journeys, Toto Africa, Travel in Africa