Jim "Kimo" West and David Vito Gregoli - Africa (feat MB Gordy and Joss Jaffe)

Africa (feat MB Gordy and Joss Jaffe) 

by Jim Kimo West and David Vito Gregoli

Toto’s classic hit done in a truly unique way by two acoustic guitarists with a penchant for variety. Featuring ukulele, lap steel, 12 string guitar, baritone guitar, fretless bass, and acoustic guitar. Guest MB Gordy adds African percussion and marimba and Joss Jaffe plays the African Ngoni, a harp-like instrument. 

This arrangement came about quite by accidentally while Vito was “noodling around and spontaneously started playing Africa in an acoustic finger style way. Pretty soon an arrangement started taking shape and I sent it to Jim. Especially special was bringing in MB to record some authentic African drums. He’s such a monster player. Having him add the solo note for note from the album on marimba was an acknowledgment of the iconic nature of it. Adding Joss’ Ngoni seemed like another way to anchor the song to the continent.” 

All the profits from this single will go to support LA Fires relief.

Produced/Arranged by David Vito Gregoli and Jim Kimo West.

Lead Ukulele: Jim Kimo

Ukulele solo in last chorus: Vito

Lap Steel: Kimo

Fretless bass: Vito

Baritone guitar: Kimo

12 String and lead during end section: Vito

Synth pads: Vito

Ngoni: Joss Jaffe

All African percussion and marimba: MB Gordy

Mixed and Mastered by Vito