It Began In Afrika – Chemical Brothers

This track by the Chemical Brothers spent just one week in the UK top 10 in 2001.

It began in Afrika on YouTube. (Opens a new window. Listen to the music of the Chemical Brothers as you read on.)

Ten years ago this week, It began in Afrika by the Chemical Brothers entered the UK singles chart at its highest position of number 8. Its success was short-lived, however, as it plummeted to number 30 the following week and out of the top 40 altogether the week after.

It began in Afrika was released on the Virgin record label in September 2001, but had begun life as a track for club DJs entitled Electronic battle weapon 5 in June 2001. The single was the first taken from the gold-selling album Come with us, which topped the UK album chart for one week in 2002.

More from the Chemical Brothers

UK singles chart for the week ending 22 September 2001

1. Hey baby (uhh, ahh) – DJ Otzi
2. Mambo no. 5 – Bob The Builder
3. Starlight – Supermen Lovers featuring Mani Hoffman
4. Set you free (remix) – N-Trance
5. Baby come on over – Samantha Mumba
6. Follow me – Uncle Kracker
7. Too close – Blue
8. It began in Afrika – Chemical Brothers
9. Let's dance – Five
10. Stuck in the middle with you – Louise