It’s fair to say everyone has heard the 80’s hit song Africa by Toto.
If you don’t know it by name, then you only have to listen to a few seconds of it before you go “ahhhh yeah I do know that song.”
It’s been in a loads of films and TV shows since its release, including Stranger Things and South Park, and there was even a fan-demanded Weezer cover of it.
Yeah, it’s safe to say that, even over 35 years later, the song is still getting a fair bit of playtime.
However, in one remote corner of the Namib Desert (which is in Africa, if you didn’t guess that) there is sound installation where Toto’s Africa will play forever.
Eternal Africa
Namibian artist and Africa fan Max Seidentopf wanted to cement what Toto fans have always known: Africa is eternal.
“I wanted to pay the song the ultimate homage and physically exhibit Africa in Africa.” He said in an interview about his work. “Some… love it, and some say it’s probably the worst sound installation ever.” Although I think that last view is just a tad harsh!
The sound installation is made up of several white plinths hosting six speakers wired up to an MP3 player that only has Africa on it.
Powered by solar batteries, and with the coastal Namib desert being gifted lots of sunlight, the 1982 number 1 hit single will be playing on a loop forever, “to keep Toto going for all eternity.”
A Mystery Location
Artist Seidentopf decided to keep the exact location a secret.
He hopes the glorious five synth-filled minutes will keep blasting over the sands for all eternity, but he’s realistic in his understanding that eventually the desert will take its toll on his work.
“Most parts of the installation were chosen to be as durable as possible, but I’m sure the harsh environment of the desert will devour the installation eventually.” He said.
I Bless The Rains Down In Aaaafriiiiiicaaaaaa
Seidentopf has a website where he has a few pictures of the installation, so if you fancy searching that sunny desert for those blessed African rains you’ll know what exactly you’re looking for!
If you love Africa by Toto and decide to go on a soft-rock desert pilgrimage and find the installation make sure you let us know down in the comments!
