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El africano

El africano is a Tango written by Eduardo Pereyra and recorded by Aníbal Troilo in 1967. Aníbal Troilo has recorded El africano as an instrumental Tango.
“The African” is the English translation of the Spanish name “El africano”. This piece captures the vibrant spirit and resilience of a continent rich in rhythm and emotion. Through its melodies, it tells a story of journeys and heritage, a dance of history and hope echoing in every note.

Tango

Style

Aníbal Troilo

Orchestra

Instrumental

Singer

Francisco Antonio Lío

Author

Eduardo Pereyra

Composer

1967/10/18

Date

Instrumental
Instrumental
Aníbal Troilo
Aníbal Troilo

Discover Other Orchestras

Miguel Caló – Alla en el cielo (2) – 1935/3/25
Miguel Caló – Llueve afuera – 1959/1/1
Miguel Caló – Carta para Renée – 1963/5/17
Miguel Caló – Oración rante – 1954/3/5
Miguel Caló – Mañana iré temprano – 1943/8/10
Juan D’Arienzo – La cumparsita (Apologia del tango) – 1928/1/1
Juan D’Arienzo – Tu noche es mi noche – 1958/12/10
Juan D’Arienzo – Quiero verte una vez más – 1964/9/25
Juan D’Arienzo – El vino triste – 1960/6/27
Juan D’Arienzo – Olvidemos todo – 1963/9/16
Lucio Demare – Gricel – 1957/1/1
Lucio Demare – Ropa blanca – 1943/6/10
Lucio Demare – Los mareados – 1957/1/1
Lucio Demare – La cachila – 1957/1/1
Lucio Demare – Dos palabras por favor – 1943/10/13
Alfredo De Angelis – Caído del cielo – 1955/4/26
Alfredo De Angelis – El mimoso – 1956/4/3
Alfredo De Angelis – Qué tenés que hablar de mi – 1962/12/27
Alfredo De Angelis – Mi diosa – 1981/1/1
Alfredo De Angelis – Apadrinando – 1950/12/12

Recommended

These Tangos, Valses, and Milongas were recorded around the same time. Take a look to discover what else this orchestra—or others—may have recorded during the same week or even on the exact same day.

1967/10/18 – Don Juan – Anibal Troilo
1967/10/23 – Yo te quiero asi – Juan D-Arienzo
1967/10/23 – Ventarron – Juan D-Arienzo
1967/10/23 – El buey solo – Juan D-Arienzo
1967/10/23 – Cordon de oro – Juan D-Arienzo

Letra del Tango El africano

Fue el más audaz, el último malevo
El que imperó al norte, El Africano,
Varón de ley, que fue como un hermano
Su corazón de guapo y de porteño.
Mozo de cara bronceada
Y de lenguaje sencillo,
Frente al rival, su cuchillo
Supo ventajas mostrar.

En el silencio de las noches de aquel barrio
Cuando la luna por los techos se paseaba,
Con su tristeza caminaba El Africano
Como una sombra que se esfumaba.
Y en el bullicio de los bailes esquineros
Donde el coraje era siempre respetado,
Ningún varón se le animaba a un entrevero
Por que era temple de alma, vida y corazón

Recitado:
Altivo y valiente
Cayó vencido peleando de frente
Con gran valor.
Y una vez más
Confiado en su entereza
Fríamente lo mataron a traición.

Aquella noche el arrabal lloró su pena
Cayó aquel taura con valor y con coraje,
Y en el silencio de la noche, el malevaje
Por vez primera, oyó esta queja:
“Me voy batido por cobarde puñalada
En forma ruin, tan sólo pude ser vencido”,
Cerró los ojos y con su último suspiro
Su débil voz entre las sombras se apagó.

English lyrics of the Tango "El africano "

He was the boldest, the last ruffian,
Ruled in the north, the African,
A true man who was like a brother,
His brave heart true to Buenos Aires.
A lad with a bronzed face
And simple speech,
In face of a rival, his knife
Knew how to show its edge.

In the silence of the nights of that neighborhood
When the moon strolled over the rooftops,
With his sadness, the African walked
Like a shadow fading away.
And in the noisy corner dances
Where courage was always respected,
No man dared a skirmish with him
For he had the mettle of soul, life, and heart.

Recited:
Proud and brave,
He fell defeated, fighting head-on
With great valor.
And once more,
Trusting in his strength,
He was coldly killed by treachery.

That night the suburb wept its sorrow,
That strong man fell with valor and courage,
And in the silence of the night, the rogues
For the first time, heard this lament:
“I depart beaten by a cowardly stab
In vile form, I could only be defeated,”
He closed his eyes, and with his last breath
His weak voice among the shadows faded.

El africano by Francisco Antonio Lío

El africano is a Tango written by Francisco Antonio Lío and composed by Eduardo Pereyra.

Story behind the Tango El africano

The tango “El africano” tells the riveting story of a legendary figure of courage and defiance, known as El Africano, dominating the northern quarters of Buenos Aires. This character, revered as a brother for his bravery and Porteño heart, embodied the traditional Argentine archetype of the malevo (tough guy). The lyrics paint a vivid picture of his stout-hearted life, which ends in a tragic betrayal, leaving a poignant mark on the neighborhood he once animated.

Symbolism of El africano

The song employs potent symbolism to deepen the narrative impact. El Africano’s nocturnal wanderings, likened to a fading shadow under the moonlight, symbolize the transient nature of power and influence. His prowess with the knife and formidable presence at corner dances highlight the complex dance of honor and respect in the socio-cultural sphere of Buenos Aires. Ultimately, his murder “by deceitful stabbing” serves as a somber allegory for betrayal, emphasizing that even the strongest can fall victim to treachery.

El africano in Historic Context

Recorded in 1967, a period of considerable social and political upheaval in Argentina, “El africano” reflects the cultural essence and struggles prevalent during its time. The imagery of the “malevaje,” or tough guys, and the valorous displays at local bailes esquineros (corner dances) evoke the raw, gritty environment of Buenos Aires’ suburbs. This historic backdrop enriches the narrative, framing El Africano’s story within the broader discourse of survival, loyalty, and betrayal amidst societal turmoil.

Francisco Antonio Lío

Francisco Antonio Lío was a prolific Argentine lyricist, known for his deep engagement with the cultural and social narratives of Buenos Aires.