Music venue to play Toto's 'Africa' on loop for 12 hours straight

Taking place at The Exchange in Bristol on Friday 30th November, the fundraiser will see DJ Michael Savage play the song on vinyl solidly from the hours of 11pm until 11am the following morning.  

As if the non-stop ‘Africa’ musical marathon wasn’t enough, the adjoining bar will also be pumping out remixes and cover versions of the ubiquitous anthem all night long.

The event is raising money for Bristol-based charity Temwa, which helps impoverished rural communities in rural areas of Malawi. The organisation’s mission is to ‘develop self-sufficient communities by supporting projects in education, health, agriculture and forestry, and microfinance.’

Michael Savage commented on the event's Facebook official page: "What started out as a really stupid idea from a stupid drunken night out has become a stupid reality.

“On Friday November the 30th at The Exchange in Bristol I'll be playing Toto's "Africa" back to back on vinyl in the main room FOR TWELVE HOURS STRAIGHT for charity.

“In the bar area we'll be playing cover versions and remixes of "Africa" non-stop. I apologise in advance to the bar staff, I’ll bring you earplugs I promise.”

Alerted to the event on Twitter, Toto’s Steve Lukather joked: “This could be worse than waterboarding!! I mean WTF is going on with this tune? I mean it’s been GREAT for us in many ways but we recorded this as a deep cut track in 1981. NO idea what it would become! (pun intended) You think YOU are sick of it?  But… it's a gift now.”

> This could be worse than waterboarding !! lol
> I mean WTF is going on with this tune?
> I mean its been GREAT for us in many ways but we recorded this as a deep cut track in 1981. NO idea what it would become! ( pun intended)
> You think YOU are sick of it? But ..it's a gift now. https://t.co/rPWHNFcCeX > > — Steve Lukather (@stevelukather) September 22, 2018

Funds will be raised from the £5 entrance fee, plus there’s an option to pay a voluntary amount NOT to attend the 12-hour session.

Additionally, attendees can create a fundraising page right here and be sponsored for how long they can last at the listening session. Everyone will be stamped in and out to prove the length of time they managed to stomach. 

Currently set to last 12 hours - up from the initial five hours advertised - Mr Savage told the BBC the ‘Africa’ marathon could be extended further. 

“I’m pushing for longer,” he explained. "I'd like to set a new world record. I don't think there is one for this as far as I can tell but that's the plan."

You can find out more about the ‘Africa’ all-nighter here and Temwa here.