Memories of Japan courtesy of Africa by way of Slovenia

I think/hope most of you are familiar with Toto’s song Africa. It was released in 1982 and became a number one hit early in 1983. This was just after I got to Japan on my mission.

It was of course a huge culture shock being in such a completely foreign land so anything familiar that reminded us of home was appreciated immensely. We were not allowed to listen to music on our own but that doesn’t mean that we never heard any. Music was often playing in many public places and much of the time it was western music (as in pop music from the English speaking world, not country/western.) As it was just becoming the number one hit worldwide “Africa” was one of the songs we heard most often. In fact one particular day in Japan is always brought back to me when I hear this song. The area we were serving in was having their stake “undokai” or sports day. Basically a track and field day/picnic type of affair. We were allowed to dress in our casual clothes and participate in the whole thing.

One of the members brought his portable music player (CDs were just barely coming out then so it would still have been what they called a “rajicase” or radio/cassette player.) The only song I still remember hearing that day was Africa and whenever I hear it now I remember that sports day in Sakai, Japan.

Completely by chance I came across this cool version of the song on the YouTube. It is an a cappella version done by a Slovenian choir. It starts off with a very cool rain/thunder storm. I have also included the original version by Toto just for comparison in case you need to refresh your memory.

(listening through headphones highly recommended)

One afterthought if I may, I think it would be coolest if you listened with your eyes closed, from the beginning through the rain/storm part up until they start singing. Then open your eyes and restart it so you can see just how they made it rain and thunder.