Toto Africa

Question 1

Who wrote Africa?

Answer 1

David Paich and Jeff Porcaro

Question 2

When was Africa written?

Answer 2

1981

Question 3

When was Africa released?

Answer 3

1982

Question 4

What genre is Africa?

Answer 4

Soft rock love song

Question 5

Describe additional 8 bar intro?

Answer 5

Performed by only unpitched percussion. Uses layered rhythm parts and ostinatos.

Question 6

Describe intro: riff A

Answer 6

Block synth chords, syncopated rhythm, B major

Question 7

What instruments synths imitate?

Answer 7

Xylophones and marimbas

Question 8

What is a riff?

Answer 8

Repeated sequence of notes or chords

Question 9

Which sections is riff A heard in?

Answer 9

Every section, except the chorus

Question 10

Describe intro: riff B

Answer 10

Uses ostinato pattern, Based on the E major pentatonic scale, over sustained C#major chord

Question 11

Where is riff B developed?

Answer 11

In the instrumental

Question 12

What keys are in Africa?

Answer 12

B major modulates to E major

Question 13

Describe vocals in verse 1?

Answer 13

Low pitched melody
Conjunct vocals
Syncopated rhythms
Mostly syllabic word setting

Question 14

What are the dynamics of the song?

Answer 14

mf

Question 15

Describe the Outro?

Answer 15

Repeat of the intro to fade out
Texture is gradually reduced
At the end the music plays only the bass line of riff A and melody of riff B