Toto classic will play on continuous loop forever in African desert

Artist Max Siedentopf has unveiled a sound installation which will play Toto’s classic track Africa on an endless loop in the Namib Desert.

Siedentopf has set up a solar-powered MP3 player and six speakers somewhere in the 81,000 sq km coastal desert, with the artist promising that the famous song will now play “for all eternity.”

The 27-year-old artist tells the BBC: "I wanted to pay the song the ultimate homage and physically exhibit Africa in Africa.

"Some Namibians love it and some say it's probably the worst sound installation ever. I think that's a great compliment."

Siedentopf says that he hopes Africa will continue playing for 55 million years, but cautions: “Most parts of the installation were chosen to be as durable as possible, but I'm sure the harsh environment of the desert will devour the installation eventually."

The Guardian have released a video of the art installation in action which can be watched below.

Toto hit the headlines last year when Weezer covered Africa and Rosanna, with Steve Lukather praising Rivers Cuomo and his bandmates, saying: “We were blown away at the response Weezer got doing our old songs. They did a good job too.”

Toto later returned the favour by releasing their take on Weezer’s Hash Pipe.

Toto will return to the UK this summer for a headline set at London’s Live At Chelsea.

Scott has spent 37 years in newspapers, magazines and online as an editor, production editor, sub-editor, designer, writer and reviewer. Scott joined our news desk in 2014 before moving into e-commerce in 2020. Scott maintains Louder’s buyer’s guides, highlights deals, and reviews headphones, speakers, earplugs and more. Over the last 12 years, Scott has written more than 11,500 articles across Louder, Classic Rock, Metal Hammer and Prog. He's previously written for publications including IGN, Sunday Mirror, Daily Record and The Herald, covering everything from news and features, to tech reviews, video games, travel and whisky. Scott's favourite bands are Fields Of The Nephilim, The Cure, New Model Army, All About Eve, The Mission, Cocteau Twins, Drab Majesty, Marillion and Rush.