"Africa" or "Afrika" is a South-African song with music by Charles Segal and (English) lyrics by Anton De Waal, published in 1956 by Carstens-De Waal Publications in Johannesburg.
In the 1960's the song became very popular in Europe in various instrumental versions.
One year earlier, Anton De Waal, whose real name was George Charles Gunn, had co-written another South-African classic: "Zambesi", with Nico Carstens, who also made the first recording.
In 1956 Nico Carstens probably also recorded the first (instrumental) version of "Africa" on the album Sunny South Africa, released on the Columbia-label.
(o) Nico Carstens and his Orchestra (1956) (as "Africa")
Released on the album Sunny South Africa (Columbia 33JS 11006)
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In the same year Nico Carstens and his Orchestra also recorded the first vocal version, with the Three Petersen Brothers handling the vocals.
(c) Three Petersen Brothers (1956) (as "Africa")
with Nico Carstens and his Orchestra
Released on Columbia D.S.A. 240
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In 1956 the South-African all female vocal group The Sunbeams, led by Miriam Makeba, also recorded a voacal version of "Africa".
The Sunbeams became more famous as the Skylarks, who recorded for the Gallo record company.
But, as the Sunbeams, they also made a few recordings for the Gramophone Record Company.
It is not clear why the two names were used for the group's recordings with different companies but Makeba maintains that it was meant to give the appearance of a rivalry. Both GRC and Gallo shared recording studios and thus the matrixes are continuous. The arrangers however were different and according to Rob Allingham gave the GRC material a rather "slap-dash quality".
(c) The Sunbeams (1956) (as "Africa")
Zulu lyrics by Miriam Makeba
Matrix: ABC 15310
Released on Tropik, DC 645
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Bob Sharples was probably the first orchestra in Europe, recording an instrumental version of "Africa". Interestingly, one Sam Lorraine was added to the credits. This was a collaborative alias used by British songwriters Harold Fields and Joseph Roncoroni.
(c) Bob Sharples and his Music (1957) (as "Afrika")
Released January 1957 on Decca F 10838
Also on London 45-1721 (in the USA)
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(c) Milli Scott (1957) (as "Africa")
Released in 1957 on CiD 28.154
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In 1958 the co-composer Charles Segal recorded a version for the CBS label.
(c) Charles Segal and his Rhythm (1958) (as "Afrika")
Released in 1958 on the album Dancing With Memories (CBS ALD 6157)
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(c) Benny Bennet et son Orchestre (1958) (as "Afriqua")
(c) Fred Oldörp (1960) (as "Afrika")
with Die Delle Haensch Rhythmiker
German lyrics: Ralph Maria Siegel
Released end 1960 on Jupiter J-45 Nr. 125
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In 1959 Elizabeth Julius, Yusuf Williams and Arthur Gillies, three coloured artists from South-Africa, came to Sweden as members of the City Golden Dixies. They liked Sweden so much, that they decided to stay.
3 years later they made there first recordings, amongst them a cover-version of "Africa"
(c) Elizabeth, Yusuf Och Arthur (1962) (as "Africa")
From 1962-64, Jos Cleber lived in South Africa, trying unsuccessfully to start a new orchestra in Johannesburg. While in South Africa, Cleber recorded a long playing record titled Charles Segal's Compositions, featuring the compositions of South African pianist and composer Charles Segal.
This album was released in South africa on Charles Segal's Spin Records label.
(o) Jos Cleber with the S.A.B.C. Orchestra (1963) (as "Africa")
S.A.B.C. = South African Broadcasting Corporation
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Around the same time Jos Cleber also recorded a vocal version with Dutch singer Ilonka Biluska
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Starting in 1962 "Africa" got it's first rock treatment in an instrumental guitar-version by The Gary Edwards Combo from the UK.
(c) The Gary Edwards Combo (1962) (as "Africa")
Released in May 1962 on Oriole CB 1733
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The Gary Edwards version was picked up by Danish guitarist Jörgen Ingmann, who turned it into a punchy guitar-version with a striking intro with jungle sounds.
(c) Jörgen Ingmann (1962) (as "Africa")
Relaesed on Metronome B 1523
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The Jörgen Ingmann version on his turn was picked up by the Dutch guitar band The Jumping Jewels. Both versions ended up in the Dutch charts in 1963.
(c) The Jumping Jewels (1963) (as "Africa")
Released on Philips 318 876 PF
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In 1970, both composers, Charles Segal and Anton De Waal, also made a new recording of "Africa" on the next album:
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