Comments on: Were Toto right about Africa?

By: the muzungu

the muzungu — Thu, 17 May 2018 12:14:19 +0000

I’ve belted my lungs out to this song more times than I can remember! However somewhere along the way, we frequently find out the real story behind a song, film or story bears little resemblance to the places it is supposed to represent. I mean, did Tarzan ever exist?
src=”https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0043265/mediaviewer/rm1050657792″ alt=””The African Queen” (1951) starring Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn” />
One favourite American film – filmed in Uganda and released in 1951 – is “The African Queen.” I can watch it again and again…

By: Ar Riviste

Ar Riviste — Tue, 15 May 2018 14:52:06 +0000

Having loved this Toto song since I was at school way back when, it did not come any better than singing along to it with my amazing muganda fiancee on my lap in a tired 90s Toyota Corona filled with a chorus of African friends bouncing along a sun struck but rain-rutted track between two villages unknown to Google maps. Except maybe for singing along to current Luganda hit “Ketchup na Chips” which followed even stronger. Toto, Tarzan, Lorne Greene and Hammond Innes introduced me to an exotic exciting Africa that still thrums today.

By: the muzungu

the muzungu — Fri, 18 Oct 2013 21:51:11 +0000

In reply to Dee.

I’ve noticed something very special about visitors to Uganda: they either come back – or never leave! (Five years so far in my case…)
Thanks for making us feel so welcome 🙂

By: Dee

Dee — Fri, 18 Oct 2013 18:17:33 +0000

Churchill did say Uganda was called ‘The pearl of Africa’ for a reason ……….
Even the most paranoid Traveller, find themselves quickly embraced, with a warmth, that can overwhelm the naturally reserved, but it comes from a good place, that is natural to US 🙂
Then any query is tackled with enthusiasm, whether we know the solution or not, understand the many accents or not, we just want to be there for our guests, with a smile …….. chances are they are our visitors for life ….. Welcome!

By: the muzungu

the muzungu — Thu, 12 Sep 2013 15:41:00 +0000

In reply to Andrea. Andrea! Thanks for commenting! Do you think I can EVER listen to that song w/out thinking about you? You and me sat with un demi at the bar, belting out the words... VIVE LE GROSSE EQUIPE! How many years ago? Not publicly posting the answer to that one darling! ;) xx

By: Andrea

Andrea — Mon, 09 Sep 2013 20:26:03 +0000

Not very good at this blog lark – hence the first time I’ve left a message. Whilst Toto were warbling Africa, we were skiing by day and then dancing to that very number – along with Rick, Gipsy Kings, Gainsburg etc etc – by night at the Playboy. How many years ago???

By: the muzungu

the muzungu — Mon, 09 Sep 2013 16:01:43 +0000

In reply to Sophie.

Thanks for commenting Sophie, and I agree, “Africa” is part of my youth too – damn Google for demystifying all my romantic ideas about the song!
Uganda is an incredible place. Not always easy to live and work here but I find visitors either stay or come back. That says a huge amount

By: Sophie

Sophie — Mon, 09 Sep 2013 12:10:22 +0000

Have spent several weeks in Uganda this spring, researching my thesis. Found that although it was confusing at times, there were many great people, many fascinating projects and a lot of things that just did not fit all those stereotypes about “Africa”. Never understood the meaning of that song when I was younger (internet and googling lyrics just didn’t exist yet) and now think it’s rather weird…but still like it because the 80s were just part of my youth 🙂

By: the muzungu

the muzungu — Mon, 09 Sep 2013 09:15:21 +0000

In reply to Barbara. Hi Barbara, thanks for taking the time to comment. You will love East Africa! Uganda and Rwanda are very different. Uganda is sprawling, disorganised, often hectic and very relaxed. Rwanda is far more organised, people are more reserved and of course the country is a lot smaller. I've travelled to Rwanda twice this year, and once to Burundi. Stacks more stories to write about each country. The food in Burundi has inspired me to create a new section all about African food & I'm adding new sections dedicated to Rwanda and Burundi. If you'd like to sign up to my newsletter, I'll send you a link when the new sections go live. Where do you plan to go when you're in Uganda?

By: Barbara

Barbara — Fri, 06 Sep 2013 02:08:13 +0000

I’m actually planning to visit both Uganda and Rwanda next June. Really looking forward to it. The only other part of Africa that I’ve visited is South Africa and Botswana a few years ago. I found your blog when googling about Uganda and have been enjoying reading it.