Fabrice Knecht Tango DJ

El africano

El africano is a Tango written by Eduardo Pereyra and recorded by Héctor Varela in 1951. Héctor Varela has recorded El africano as an instrumental Tango.
“The African,” known as “El Africano” in Spanish, is a mesmerizing piece of music that captures the essence of its namesake through rhythmic vitality and profound depth. It weaves a tapestry of cultural pride and historical resonance, celebrating the rich and diverse heritage of African influence. Each note dances with stories untold, drawing listeners into a vivid, evocative journey.

Tango

Style

Héctor Varela

Orchestra

Instrumental

Singer

Francisco Lío

Author

Eduardo Pereyra

Composer

1951/11/15

Date

Instrumental
Instrumental
Héctor Varela
Héctor Varela

Discover Other Orchestras

Cuarteto Aníbal TROILO – La trampera – 1969/7/30
Cuarteto Aníbal TROILO – La cumparsita – 1968/9/11
Cuarteto Aníbal TROILO – Sobre el pucho (Un callejón en Pompeya) – 1968/9/11
Cuarteto Aníbal TROILO – Toda mi vida – 1968/8/5
Cuarteto Aníbal TROILO – Los mareados – 1968/9/11
José Basso – Vieja amiga – 1957/8/27
José Basso – Pena copa y tango – 1953/12/9
José Basso – El amanecer – 1961/4/25
José Basso – En carne viva – 1967/1/1
José Basso – Brazo de oro – 1961/4/18
Adolfo Carabelli – Hamacandose – 1932/9/7
Adolfo Carabelli – El cantar de los gitanos – 1931/12/24
Adolfo Carabelli – El Caburé – 1932/10/28
Adolfo Carabelli – Pa’ que lagrimear – 1933/9/12
Adolfo Carabelli – El trece – 1932/9/27
Alfredo De Angelis – Canaro en París – 1976/9/24
Alfredo De Angelis – Gloria – 1950/3/28
Alfredo De Angelis – Yo también carrero fui – 1946/12/13
Alfredo De Angelis – Tachero de mi ciudad – 1980/1/1
Alfredo De Angelis – El vazquito – 1955/12/28

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

1951/11/15 – Anoche a las dos – Hector Varela
1951/11/15 – La carreta – Hector Varela
1951/11/15 – Suipacha – Hector Varela
1951/11/16 – Esmeralda – Julio De Caro
1951/11/16 – Sueno azul – Julio De Caro
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 outlaw

The one who reigned in the north, The African,

A man of the law, who was like a brother

His heart both 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 advantages.

In the silence of the nights of that neighborhood

When the moon walked over the rooftops,

With his sadness, The African walked

Like a shadow fading away.

And in the clamor of the corner dances

Where courage was always respected,

No man dared to clash with him

Because he was made of soul, life, and heart.

Recited:

Proud and brave

He fell defeated, fighting frontally

With great courage.

And once more

Trusting in his integrity

They coldly killed him by betrayal.

That night, the suburb wept its sorrow

That valiant man fell with valor and courage,

And in the silence of the night, the crooks

For the first time, heard this complaint:

“I leave defeated by a cowardly stab

In a vile way, I could only 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” recounts the life and demise of a revered local figure known as El Africano, portraying him as the last of the traditional Buenos Aires tough guys (malevos). He’s celebrated for his bravery, strength, and loyalty, akin to that of a brother. The lyrics convey his respected status in the northern parts of Buenos Aires, hinting at his control and influence over the area. However, his story turns tragic when he falls victim to a cowardly, fatal attack, marking a sorrowful event in the neighborhood that once revered him.



Symbolism of El africano

The character of El Africano symbolizes the bygone era of the malevo within the barrios of Buenos Aires, representing honor, strength, and the complexities of heroism intertwined with the violent lifestyle. The lyrics, “Cayó vencido peleando de frente / Con gran valor,” underline his bravery even in the face of defeat. The mention of the moon wandering over the rooftops and his presence likened to a fading shadow adds a poignant layer to his story, reflecting on the fleeting nature of existence and the lingering spirit of the once-feared and respected man.



El africano in historic Context

Recorded in 1951, “El africano” emerges during a time when the cultural landscape of Argentina was undergoing significant transformations, moving away from traditional norms. This tango mirrors the nostalgic sentiment for the disappearing old-world machismo and valor typical of Buenos Aires’ early 20th century. The lament for El Africano and the betrayal he suffers reflects broader themes of change and the erosion of once-sacred codes of honor among the urban underclass, symbolizing the decline of a way of life amidst modernization and social shifts.



Francisco Lío

Francisco Lío was an Argentine lyricist known for capturing the essence of Buenos Aires life and its characters through his tango compositions.