In the most Bristol news this year so far, a bar is holding a whole-night event where the only song to be played is Africa by Toto, in order to raise money for that charity, Temwa.
Look, it’s a great song and I could listen to it twice, maybe three times in a row, but constantly, for 12 hours, is some sort of sick 80s disco nightmare, surely?
I worked out if the night goes on for the five hours it intends to, they’ll play Africa a total of 66 times..
Speaking to the BBC, DJ and owner of Prime Cuts Record Store in Bristol, Michael Savage, said:
What started out as a really stupid idea from a stupid drunken night out has become a stupid reality.
It’s the go-to track to fill the dance floor.
I drunkenly suggested I’d run a night playing just that track two years ago. I kept talking about it and now I’ve got to do it.
The musical marathon is raising money for Temwa, a Bristol-based charity which supports people in remote rural areas of northern Malawi.
Michael said the charity had already received its first donation from someone keen to avoid the event altogether.
While the idea sounds pretty epic, I can imagine having to actually do it might be slightly traumatic.
Michael expressed his sympathy for the bar staff, saying:
I feel quite sorry for the bar staff, they’re going to be really stuck in the middle.
Africa is by far Toto’s most famous and popular song, taking on a new lease of life in recent years since its original release back in 1982.
The Exchange in Bristol will host the night on November 30, with the song playing on repeat from 11pm to 4am, while the adjoining bar will be playing cover versions and remixes off the track.
Five hours isn’t enough for the die-hard DJ though, and Michael said he’s asked the venue for 12 hours.
As well as raising lots of money for charity, Michael wants to set a new world record, saying:
I don’t think there is one for this as far as I can tell but that’s the plan.
As well as being an incredibly iconic track, being voted to have one of the top 50 most explosive choruses of all time, Africa has had a career as a meme.
It’s so popular, there’s actually an entire website (ibless.therains.downin.africa) that plays the video on loop.
If you decide to take the challenge of how long you can last, it’s £5 entry and you’ll be stamped in and out to prove how long you lasted.
If you want to donate but don’t want to go at all, there’s also an option to do that. It’s like buying an anti-ticket, and the funds still go to Temwa but you can stay in the comfort of your own home.
Everyone has to have dreams I guess. I don’t think Michael will be able to get this one out of his head for a year after the big night.
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