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El africano

El africano is a Tango written by Eduardo Pereyra and recorded by Enrique Rodríguez in 1945. Enrique Rodríguez has recorded El africano as an instrumental Tango.
“El Africano” translates to “The African” in English. This evocative title suggests a rich tapestry of rhythm and culture, drawing upon the vibrant, soulful essence of African heritage. Through its melodies and movements, the piece celebrates the journey and resilience of a continent, inviting listeners to explore the profound depth and beauty within its music.

Tango

Style

Enrique Rodríguez

Orchestra

Instrumental

Singer

Francisco Lío

Author

Eduardo Pereyra

Composer

1945/12/26

Date

Instrumental
Instrumental
Enrique Rodríguez
Enrique Rodríguez

Discover Other Orchestras

Ricardo Tanturi – Vieja esquina – 1943/8/6
Ricardo Tanturi – Dónde estará mi vida – 1958/4/29
Ricardo Tanturi – Puerto Nuevo – 1959/1/29
Ricardo Tanturi – Soy muchacho de arrabal – 1946/1/3
Ricardo Tanturi – Que me quiten lo bailao – 1943/4/29
Astor Piazzolla – Nonino – 1961/1/1
Astor Piazzolla – Cambalache – 1982/5/30
Astor Piazzolla – Concierto para quinteto – 1986/1/1
Astor Piazzolla – El rápido – 1947/1/27
Astor Piazzolla – Mi refugio – 1957/1/1
Cuarteto Típico Roberto Firpo – Noche calurosa – 1944/9/11
Cuarteto Típico Roberto Firpo – Sentimiento criollo – 1939/3/31
Cuarteto Típico Roberto Firpo – La puñalada – 1949/7/27
Cuarteto Típico Roberto Firpo – La rosarina – 1936/12/19
Cuarteto Típico Roberto Firpo – El tapial – 1941/1/8
Horacio Salgán Y Dante Amicarelli – Las hojas muertas (Les feuilles mortes) – 1971/1/1
Horacio Salgán Y Dante Amicarelli – Pimienta – 1971/1/1
Horacio Salgán Y Dante Amicarelli – Ritmo fascinante (Vertigo ciudadano) – 1970/1/1
Horacio Salgán Y Dante Amicarelli – Chiclana – 1971/1/1
Horacio Salgán Y Dante Amicarelli – El ensueño de Bahia – 1971/1/1

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

1945/12/26 – En un pueblito de Espana (2) – Enrique Rodriguez
1945/12/27 – Cancion desesperada – Miguel Calo
1945/12/27 – Pudo ser una vida – Miguel Calo
1945/12/24 – Yo no espero nada – Juan D-Arienzo
1945/12/24 – Del pasado – 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

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 thug
Ruled in the north, The African,
A proper man, who was like a brother
His heart brave and from Buenos Aires.
A young man with a bronzed face
And simple speech,
In the face of a rival, his knife
Knew how to show its advantage.

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

Recited:
Proud and brave
He fell defeated, fighting head-on
With great courage.
And once more,
Trusting in his integrity
He was coldly betrayed and killed.

That night the slum wept its sorrow
That tough man fell with valor and bravery,
And in the silence of the night, the gangsters
For the first time, heard this complaint:
“I leave defeated by a coward’s 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

“El africano” tells the story of a revered and audacious figure from Buenos Aires, known locally as El Africano. Described as the last of the traditional Buenos Aires tough, bold men, he was a figure of law and honor, seen by many as a brotherly presence. His nightly walks through the neighborhood under the moonlight and his silent demeanor in the backyard dance halls, where he was respected and unchallenged, paint a vivid image of his character and the respect he commanded. The lyrics tell a tale of his untimely death – a treacherous and cowardly act that betrayed his valiant spirit.



Symbolism of El africano

El Africano symbolizes the archetype of the valiant urban hero respected for his courage, loyalty, and toughness. His “bronze face” and simple language reflect the quintessential rugged yet straightforward Argentine man. His confrontation with betrayal and his brave end are symbolic of the classic tales of valor overshadowed by deceit. References to his quiet prowess with a knife, and his presence which ebbed like a fading shadow, enrich the symbolic portrayal of a larger-than-life figure succumbing to a cowardly fate.



El africano in historic Context

The Tango was recorded in December 26, 1945, a time when Argentina was going through significant political and social changes. The year marked the end of World War II, which had profound effects on Argentine society and politics, including the rise of Juan Domingo Perón. In this context, the lamentation for El Africano in the song resonates with a broader sense of loss and change felt throughout Argentina. The reference to neighborhood dance halls and moonlit roofs is deeply evocative of the Porteño setting, submerging the listener in the cultural and physical landscape of mid-20th century Buenos Aires.



Francisco Lío

Francisco Lío is known for his poignant compositions in the realm of Tango, capturing deep emotional and cultural nuances of Argentinian life.