Fabrice Knecht Tango DJ

El africano

El africano is a Tango written by Eduardo Pereyra and recorded by Juan D’Arienzo in 1969. Juan D’Arienzo has recorded El africano as an instrumental Tango.
“The African” is how “El Africano” resonates in the rhythm of its own name. This piece carries the heartbeat of ancestral lands, echoing the rich cultural tapestry of Africa. With each note and beat, it tells stories of resilience and joy, weaving a vibrant dance of history and heritage into the fabric of music.

Tango

Style

Juan D'Arienzo

Orchestra

Instrumental

Singer

Antonio Ceti

Author

Eduardo Pereyra

Composer

1969/8/1

Date

Instrumental
Instrumental
Juan D'Arienzo
Juan D’Arienzo

Discover Other Orchestras

Francini-Pontier – A la guardia vieja – 1952/10/24
Francini-Pontier – Adiós Nonino – 1973/1/1
Francini-Pontier – Cuartito azul – 1955/6/13
Francini-Pontier – El milagro – 1946/9/4
Francini-Pontier – Barra querida – 1955/6/13
Carlos di Sarli – Marianito – 1952/12/12
Carlos di Sarli – Qué reo sos – 1929/12/31
Carlos di Sarli – Pobre buzón – 1954/9/8
Carlos di Sarli – Mala yerba – 1956/2/29
Carlos di Sarli – El pollo Ricardo – 1940/9/23
LOS SEÑORES DEL TANGO – Milonguero viejo – 1962/10/8
Julio De Caro – Sentencia – 1926/11/15
Julio De Caro – Tristeza – 1935/9/24
Julio De Caro – Qué noche – 1926/12/9
Julio De Caro – Norma – 1938/8/10
Julio De Caro – Churro – 1952/9/17

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

1969/8/1 – Aquel abril – Juan D-Arienzo
1969/8/1 – Milonga para un viejo amor – Juan D-Arienzo
1969/8/1 – Las cuarenta – Juan D-Arienzo
1969/8/1 – Dulce novia – Juan D-Arienzo
1969/8/1 – El tren de Buenos Aires – 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

Yo no sé de dónde llegó

Si un día la amé, si un día me amó,

Sólo sé que en mis sueños estaba

Fue terrible mi sed de alcanzarla.



Yo no sé de dónde llegó,

Si un día me amó, si un día mintió,

Y sus ojos castaños, felices

Dejaron raíces, en mi corazón.



Siempre, yo sé que siempre, tú estarás aquí,

Nunca, ya nunca tanto como aquel abril,

Cuando entre mis brazos encontraba la ilusión

Y en la vida todo era esperanza.

Luego, igual que a todas te gustó vivir,

Igual que a todas te gustó partir

Y fue un silencio nuestro adiós.

English lyrics of the Tango "El africano"

I don’t know where she came from

If I loved her one day, if one day she loved me

All I know is that she was in my dreams

My thirst to reach her was terrible.

I don’t know where she came from,

If one day she loved me, if one day she lied,

And her happy brown eyes

Left roots, in my heart.

Always, I know that always, you will be here,

Never, not ever as much as that April,

When amongst my arms illusion was found

And in life everything was hope.

Later, just like everyone, you enjoyed living,

Just like everyone, you liked to leave

And our goodbye was silent.

El africano by Antonio Ceti

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

Story behind the Tango El africano

El africano stands as a profound narrative of longing and lost love, expressed through its poignant lyrics. The persona in the song is reflective, grasping at the threads of a love that was once present but now seems distant or perhaps unreal. The song’s essence is encapsulated in the memories of a relationship marked by both tenderness and deceit. The recurring questions about the origins and truthfulness of the affection shared indicate a deep search for meaning and clarity beyond the pain of separation.

Symbolism of El africano

The lyrics of El africano utilize compelling imagery and symbols to enhance the narrative. The phrase “Y sus ojos castaños, felices” uses the symbolism of eyes, often deemed windows to the soul, reflecting past happiness that left a lasting impact on the narrator. “Fue terrible mi sed de alcanzarla” metaphorically portrays an unquenchable thirst, denoting a burning desire and an unreachable yearning for his love. These images serve to deepen the emotional weight of the narrative, portraying both love and its aftermath as transformative experiences that leave enduring marks on one’s heart.

El africano in historic Context

Composed in 1969 by Antonio Ceti, “El africano” emerged during a culturally rich yet politically tumultuous period in Argentina. The late 1960s were marked by significant social changes and a growing sense of identity and expressions through arts, especially music. In this context, Tango served not just as entertainment but also as a reflective medium for deeper socio-emotional themes. This song reflects personal narratives against the backdrop of broader societal shifts, resonating with themes of love, disillusionment, and personal reflection that were pertinent to the era.

Antonio Ceti

Antonio Ceti was an influential figure in the Tango music scene, recognized for his evocative lyrics and poignant storytelling through music.