With its shimmering keyboards, gentle percussion grooves, and unforgettable chorus, Toto's "Africa" embodies the sound of '80s pop. But the song endures as a cultural phenomenon because its impeccable musicianship set a standard for excellence that modern artists continue to chase. The single was no fluke—that kind of timeless songcraft had been a Toto staple since the group formed in Los Angeles in 1977. That's largely because their members had already worked as session players and songwriters for the likes of Boz Scaggs, Steely Dan, and Seals and Crofts. (They didn’t give up studio work after Toto began, either, lending this same prowess to Michael Jackson's Thriller.) That immersion in summery soft rock is evident on the piano-heavy 1979 single "Georgy Porgy" and the easygoing shuffle of 1982's "Rosanna," while their early hit "Hold the Line" highlights scorching guitar work from founding member Steve Lukather. Such versatility is a hallmark of Toto's vast catalog—on over a dozen studio albums, the band dabbles in jazz, prog, and R&B—and established the group as iconoclasts determined to create trends rather than follow them. That was certainly evident on 2018's Old Is New, which touched on soulful balladry and progressive hard rock, and collaborations with electronic stars Skrillex and What So Not. But still, it’s the more recent "Africa" resurgence—the song received a boost thanks to a Stranger Things appearance, was covered by Weezer, and has become a popular meme about “blessing the rains”—that perfectly illustrates how Toto’s talent transcends generations.
Africa
Hold The Line
Rosanna
You Supply The Love
Hi. We are Jay Siegan Presents. We are the talent liaisons that curate, ideate, and connect you to the right artists to transform special events into experiences of a lifetime. Our roots are those of musicologists and culture hawks, deeply embedded in the living performing arts. This is the foundation of our work, the soul of our business, and what we've been doing for over 25 years. We have the capacity and capability to bring any artist from anywhere in the world to your event.
We are the talent liaisons that curate, ideate, and connect you to the right artists to transform special events into experiences of a lifetime. Our roots are those of musicologists and culture hawks, deeply embedded in the living performing arts. This is the foundation of our work, the soul of our business, and what we've been doing for over 25 years. We have the capacity and capability to bring any artist from anywhere in the world to your event.
The cost associated with booking Toto is influenced by several factors. These include the interest and availability of the talent, the date and location, the nature of the event, and the schedule of the talent involved. To receive an accurate quote to book Toto for your event, we will need to gather some specific information. Reach out to us to dig in more and we can discuss an offer with the agent for Toto.
Please note, we are not the agents or managers for the talent listed, except as indicated, nor are we affiliated with any particular agency roster. This ideal and impartial position in the industry allows us to make the best recommendations that align with our client’s objectives and budgets. Please remember that we don't accept fan emails, special requests, meet and greets requests. Serious booking inquiries only, please. Our secret to success is our solid industry relationships and our experience booking talent!
