Vocal range of Africa by Toto
- Original key
- B
- Range
- A2 – D#5
Africa spans 2 octaves and 6 semitones. No single voice type covers it in the original key without strain, so most singers change the key.
The best key for each voice type
Computed from the song's range and typical comfortable ranges. Capo positions use open chord shapes.
| Voice | Sing it in | Change | Guitar | Notes you'll sing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bass | C | 11 semitones down | C shapes, no capo | A#1 – E4 · 6 semitones out of range: drop those notes an octave |
| Baritone | B | original key | Capo 2, A shapes | A2 – D#5 · 6 semitones out of range: drop those notes an octave |
| Tenor | B | original key | Capo 2, A shapes | A2 – D#5 · 6 semitones out of range: drop those notes an octave |
| Alto | Db | 2 semitones up | Capo 1, C shapes | B2 – F5 · 6 semitones out of range: drop those notes an octave |
| Mezzo-soprano | B | an octave up | Capo 2, A shapes | A3 – D#6 · 6 semitones out of range: drop those notes an octave |
| Soprano | B | an octave up | Capo 2, A shapes | A3 – D#6 · 6 semitones out of range: drop those notes an octave |
Voice types are a rough guide: your own range can sit higher or lower than your type.
Find the right key for your voice
Voice types are a rough guide. Take the two-minute range test and this page will show the key for your exact range…
Questions about Africa
What is the vocal range of Africa?
Africa by Toto goes from A2 to D#5, a span of 2 octaves and 6 semitones.
What key is Africa in?
The original recording is in B.
What key should a man sing Africa in?
Bass: C; Baritone: B; Tenor: B.
What key should a woman sing Africa in?
Alto: Db; Mezzo-soprano: B; Soprano: B.
Songs with a similar range
- Livin' on a Prayer Bon Jovi · A2–Eb5
- Take On Me a-ha · A2–E5
- Man in the Mirror Michael Jackson · Ab2–C5
- Say You Won't Let Go James Arthur · Bb2–C5
- Bohemian Rhapsody Queen · Bb2–G5
- Billie Jean Michael Jackson · C#3–C#5
Sources: Musicnotes · Hooktheory · how we measure
Musicnotes shows the notated range A3–D#6; male vocal in treble clef sounds an octave lower