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El africano

El africano is a Tango written by Eduardo Pereyra and recorded by Juan D’Arienzo in 1937. Juan D’Arienzo has recorded El africano as an instrumental Tango.
“El Africano,” meaning “The African,” dances through the air with vibrant rhythm and soul. Its name conjures images of distant lands, rich in culture and history, pulsating with life and rhythm. This piece captures the spirit of a continent, celebrating its roots and inviting listeners to embark on a heartfelt journey of unity and expression.

Tango

Style

Juan D'Arienzo

Orchestra

Instrumental

Singer

Francisco Lío

Author

Eduardo Pereyra

Composer

1937/12/14

Date

Instrumental
Instrumental
Juan D'Arienzo
Juan D’Arienzo

Discover Other Orchestras

Quinteto Pirincho (Francisco Canaro) – Boedo – 1959/3/24
Quinteto Pirincho (Francisco Canaro) – Canaro en París – 1940/10/28
Quinteto Pirincho (Francisco Canaro) – La cara de la luna – 1959/4/9
Quinteto Pirincho (Francisco Canaro) – Noches de amor – 1954/1/4
Quinteto Pirincho (Francisco Canaro) – El choclo – 1959/4/15
Domingo Federico – Leyenda gaucha – 1952/11/24
Domingo Federico – El marajá – 1951/8/3
Domingo Federico – Y todavia te quiero – 1956/6/29
Domingo Federico – Con el mayor gusto – 1949/10/14
Domingo Federico – Yuyo verde – 1944/9/12
Edgardo Donato – Rayo de luz – 1930/1/1
Edgardo Donato – La novena – 1933/7/13
Edgardo Donato – Pa’ semejante candil – 1934/6/5
Edgardo Donato – A media luz – 1941/10/13
Edgardo Donato – Cantando bajito – 1938/8/29
Enrique Rodríguez – Mi verdad – 1938/8/18
Enrique Rodríguez – Aquellos fueron los dias (Qué tiempo tan feliz) – 1968/12/2
Enrique Rodríguez – La noche se va – 1967/7/25
Enrique Rodríguez – Royal Pigall (Qué has hecho de mi cariño) – 1955/7/27
Enrique Rodríguez – Voy a abrazarme a tus pies – 1971/3/17

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.

El africano recorded by other Orchestras

El africano recorded by other Orchestras

1937/12/14 – La cumparsita – Juan D-Arienzo
1937/12/9 – El cencerro – Juan D-Arienzo
1937/12/9 – Gallo ciego – Juan D-Arienzo
1937/12/21 – La morocha – Juan D-Arienzo
1937/12/21 – Melodia portena – Juan D-Arienzo
El africano – 1945/11/15 – Anibal Troilo – Instrumental
El africano – 1937/12/14 – Juan D-Arienzo – Instrumental
El africano – 1969/8/1 – Juan D-Arienzo – Instrumental
El africano – 1978/12/20 – Osvaldo Pugliese – Instrumental
El africano – 1945/12/26 – Enrique Rodriguez – Instrumental
El africano – 1951/11/15 – Hector Varela – Instrumental
El africano – 1966/12/16 – Armando Pontier – Instrumental
El africano – 1920/1/1 – Francisco Canaro – Instrumental

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 bad boy,
The one who ruled the north, The African,
A man of honor, like a brother he seemed,
His heart was brave and from Buenos Aires.
A youth with a tanned face
And simple speech,
Against a foe, his knife
Knew how to show advantages.

In the silence of the nights of that neighborhood
When the moon walked over the rooftops,
With his sadness walked The African
Like a shadow that faded away.
And in the noise of the corner dances
Where courage was always respected,
No man dared to confront him
Because he was a soul of temper, life, and heart

Recited:
Proud and brave
He fell defeated fighting head-on
With great valor.
And once more,
Trusting in his solidity
They coldly killed him by betrayal.

That night, the suburb mourned its sorrow
That valorous man fell with valor and courage,
And in the silence of the night, the ruffians
For the first time, heard this complaint:
“I go down beaten by a cowardly stab
In a vile way, only thus could I be defeated”,
He closed his eyes and with his last breath
His weak voice among the shadows went out.

El africano by Francisco Lío

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

Story behind the Tango El africano

“El africano” tells the tale of a fearless and respected man known simply as “El Africano.” He was celebrated in the northern parts as a man of honor, akin to a brother with the heart of a true porteño—a brave and true Buenos Aires native. This tango traces his journey, from his dominance in rival conflicts using his knife, to his lonely, melancholic walks under the moonlit streets of his neighborhood. His story tragically culminates in his death, betrayed by a cowardly stab, underscoring a life lived with boldness yet ending in a manner unworthy of his bravery.

Symbolism of El africano

The lyrics of “El africano” are rich with symbols of courage and betrayal. The moonlit walks and his portrayal as a shadow suggest a figure who, despite his strong external demeanor, carries within him a silent, deeper sadness or burden. His depiction as the last of the “malevos” (a term for a tough, street-wise man) symbolizes the end of an era of traditional machismo and valor, which was central to Argentinean folklore and tango culture. The final betrayal by a “cobarde puñalada” (cowardly stabbing) starkly contrasts his life’s narrative of bravery, introducing themes of treachery among even the most valiant.

El africano in historic Context

Recorded in 1937, “El africano” emerges during a turbulent period in Argentine history characterized by political upheaval and social shifts. This era saw the rise of tango as not just a dance but an expression of deeper social and human narratives. The figure of El Africano can be viewed as a representation of the old guard, a fading image of stoic bravery challenged by rising modernity and the ensuing moral conflicts, which could often lead to deception and betrayal, as illustrated by his tragic end.

Francisco Lío

Francisco Lío, a notable figure in the tango world, is renowned for his poignant narratives that often explore themes of honor, courage, and human vulnerability.