Weezer’s Biggest Hit Wasn’t an Original Song, It Was a Cover of This ’80s Classic

Weezer has undeniably made a name for themselves in the alternative rock realm. Defying all preconceived formulas for what a band needed to be, their lyrics were quirky and narrative-driven, with lead singer Rivers Cuomo establishing a distinct sense of identity through their 35 million albums sold worldwide. Coming straight out of Los Angeles in 1992, time helped them achieve cult status, pioneering a chaotic yet refined sound that’s never been mirrored in any other band to follow.

While singles like “Island In The Sun” and “Beverly Hills” are easily their most definable songs, there’s one particular chart-topper that many don’t realize is actually a cover. Weezer's massive hit from 2018, "Africa," is a cover of Toto's 1982 classic of the same name, which went on to become one of their biggest successes. Topping charts and becoming a cultural phenomenon after a viral fan campaign via X (formerly known as Twitter) pushed them to record it, it was a significant career moment that many consider to be their biggest hit in years. So how did this cover ultimately come to be? Let’s take a deep dive.

The Lore Behind Toto's "Africa"

Before it became Weezer’s personal hit 36 years later, Toto released “Africa” in 1982 off their album Toto IV. Though the lyrics, written by David Paich, seemingly served as a travel diary through a beloved continent, there was much more intention embedded between the lines. The song was inherently introspective, pointing to longing, spiritual reflection, and feeling small in the face of something so much bigger than yourself.

Hear the drums echoing tonight

But she hears only whispers of some quiet conversation

She's comin' in, 12:30 flight

Her moonlit wings reflect the stars that guide me towards salvation

I stopped an old man along the way

Hopin' to find some old forgotten words or ancient melodies

He turned to me as if to say

"Hurry, boy, it's waiting there for you"

The song asks one to explore the wisdom that lies within behind, awake in life, witnessing the miracle of everything all around you. It married true adoration for Africa with a personal struggle to stay with a lover through an imagined, metaphorical journey of longing and commitment. As an accolade act who earned several Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum in 2009, “Africa” was Toto’s biggest hit, skyrocketing to number one on the Billboard Hot 100. Luckily, Weezer’s rendition found a similar success. Yet, how the cover came about is a testament to the power of the Internet.

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A meme that snowballed into reality, a young teen started a viral social media campaign politely yet persistently asking Weezer to cover “Africa.” The ‘80s classic had found itself ironically and unironically earning some steam with a new generation, who all rallied behind the initiative. Associated with sincerity and a charming awkwardness, Weezer was known for their authentically 2010s sound. Many agreed that it would pair well with Toto’s “Africa,” which was already a meme itself. Eventually obliging to the internet’s persistence, Weezer’s 2018 cover was deliberately faithful to the original. Instead of reinventing the song, Cuomo, alongside Patrick Wilson, Brian Bell, and Scott Shriner leaned into the nostalgia of the soft rock classic. It beautifully maintained the hazy, synth-heavy landscape of Toto’s original rendition, while giving Cuomo the ability to interject his own flair.

It went viral almost instantly, hitting number one on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart and becoming Weezer’s most successful single in years. It helped introduce Weezer to a new, younger audience, reviving their unique sound. Their last hit dated all the way back to 2009, entering the Hot 100 with “(If You’re Wondering If I Want You To) I Want You To.” While they were once branded by many as “cringey” or "corny," they were now being praised for their allegiance to authenticity, which was an attribute lost on many other modern acts.

As alt-rock icons of the '90s, they deserved this return to the spotlight. Weezer rightfully earned their title as one of the most popular groups to emerge in the post-grunge alternative rock aftermath, and “Africa” helped reignite their reign. What was once a funny plea from a yearning fan base turned into something deeply meaningful for Weezer’s longevity and legacy.