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Learn to play Africa on drums | by Toto

Interactive Drum Sheet Music and Play-Along Tools

Technical details

Song name

Africa

Difficulty

BPM

Time Signature

Decade

Genre

,

Drummer name

Jeff Porcaro

Version

Drum it
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About the drummer

Jeff Porcaro was the co-founder of Toto and a premier session drummer who worked on hundreds of albums. He is celebrated for his work on "Africa," which demonstrates his ability to blend intricate rhythms into a smooth pop-rock groove. His technical legacy is a core part of advanced drum lessons worldwide.

Drummer style

His style is famously associated with the "Rosanna Shuffle" and other sophisticated half-time grooves. Playing drums with Porcaro's level of detail requires great control over hi-hat dynamics and ghost notes. His work is a "gold standard" for those recording drum covers and for musicians learning drums with a focus on session-level precision.

FAQ

Is Africa suitable for beginners?
Africa is better suited for intermediate to advanced drummers. However, it can be a great long-term goal as your skills improve.
Can I learn Africa if I’m not very confident reading drum notation?
It’s possible to learn Africa by ear, especially if you break it into sections. Over time, you’ll also improve your ability to read drum notation.
Do I need a full drum kit to play Africa?
While some fills may require toms or cymbals, the core of Africa can be practiced on a smaller kit.
How will learning Africa improve my drumming skills?
Learning Africa with an interactive player allows you to break the song into sections, slow it down, and truly understand every part — helping you improve faster and more efficiently.
What skills do I need before learning Africa?
Before learning Africa, it helps to be comfortable with basic grooves, simple fills, and maintaining steady timing.

Technical details

Song name

Africa

Difficulty

Intermediate

BPM

90-99

Time Signature

4/4

Decade

1980's

Genre

Pop, Rock

Drummer name

Jeff Porcaro

Version

Simplified

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