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El africano

El africano is a Tango written by Eduardo Pereyra and recorded by Aníbal Troilo in 1945. Aníbal Troilo has recorded El africano as an instrumental Tango.
“El Africano” translates to “The African” in English. This evocative piece, whether sung or purely instrumental, celebrates the vibrant spirit and rich cultural tapestry of Africa, weaving together rhythms that pulse like a heartbeat across continents. With each note, it tells a story of heritage and unity, echoing the soulful strength and resilience of its name.

Tango

Style

Aníbal Troilo

Orchestra

Instrumental

Singer

Francisco Lío

Author

Eduardo Pereyra

Composer

1945/11/15

Date

Instrumental
Instrumental
Aníbal Troilo
Aníbal Troilo

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Anibal Troilo – El motivo (Pobre paica) – 1970/8/13
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Lucio Demare – Alhucema – 1944/9/25
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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

1945/11/15 – Adios Pampa mia – Anibal Troilo
1945/11/15 – Margo – Miguel Calo
1945/11/15 – Una tarde cualquiera – Miguel Calo
1945/11/13 – El once (A divertirse) – Osvaldo Fresedo
1945/11/13 – Libre – Osvaldo Fresedo
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

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 tough guy,
The one who ruled the north, The African,
A true man, who was like a brother,
His heart both brave and of Buenos Aires.
A youth with bronzed face,
And simple speech,
In front of a rival, 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 bustle of the corner dances,
Where courage was always respected,
No man dared to challenge him to a brawl,
Because he was a soul of temper, life, and heart.

Recited:
Haughty and brave,
He fell defeated, fighting head-on
With great valor.
And once more,
Trusting in his integrity,
He was coldly murdered by betrayal.

That night, the suburbs wept their sorrow,
That strong man fell with valor and courage,
And in the silence of the night, the tough guys
For the first time, heard this complaint:
“I’m 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 faded away.

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

The lyrics of “El Africano” narrate the tale of a revered and daring man known simply as El Africano. Portrayed as the last of the “malevos” (a term used in Argentina for a tough, brave man often living outside the law), he was a figure who commanded respect in the northern parts of the city. The song highlights his dual nature – his tough demeanor alongside the loyalty and brotherhood he offered, akin to that of a native of Buenos Aires (porteño). The narrative arc culminates in his tragic demise, betrayed and killed in an ambush, which left the community mourning and marked by his loss.

Symbolism of El africano

The language and imagery in “El Africano” are rich with symbolism. The repeated contrasts between the stillness of night and the vibrancy of corner dances symbolize the dual life led by El Africano—one shrouded in solitude and another steeped in communal respect and fear. Phrases like “Cayó vencido peleando de frente” and “una vez más, confiado en su entereza, fríamente lo mataron a traición” emphasize themes of bravery and betrayal, underlining the moral values admired and the treacherous behaviors despised in the community. His portrayal as walking “Como una sombra que se esfumaba” suggests a ghostly presence, reflecting on how his legacy and spirit linger even after his physical demise.

El africano in historic Context

Recorded in 1945, “El Africano” emerges from a period marked by significant political and social changes in Argentina. Around this time, the country was navigating the complexities of the post-World War II era and the rise of Juan Domingo Perón. The tango, a cultural expression deeply embedded in Argentine identity, often reflected the sentiments of the common people and addressed themes of personal honor, bravery, and injustice. “El Africano” serves as a narrative that not only entertains but also preserves the ethos of the barrio (neighborhood), embodying the struggles and values of its people during a transformative epoch.

Francisco Lío

Francisco Lío was a notable figure in the world of Tango, contributing through his evocative lyrics that often captured the spirit and struggles of life in Buenos Aires.