Africa Unite by Bob Marley

Key: Em · 129 BPM · 3/4

Africa Unite by Bob Marley is written in G major. Its chords cycle through the I-V-vi-IV progression — modern pop / Axis progression (extremely common, often looped): G-D-Em-C. At 129 BPM, it moves at a moderate, driving pace, in waltz time. The same chords are equally correct read against G major's relative key, Em — two valid ways to name the exact same notes, depending on which one the song feels like it's resolving to.

The progression

This song follows the I-V-vi-IV progression (Modern pop / Axis progression (extremely common, often looped)) in G major. Read against its relative key, this is equivalently III-VII-i-VI in Em — the same chords, two valid readings. Chords are automatically detected — if something looks off, let us know.

Learn more about the I-V-vi-IV progression

Play it in other keys

CapoShape keyChords to play
No capoGG-D-Em-C
Capo 3EE-B-C#m-A
Capo 5DD-A-Bm-G
Capo 7CC-G-Am-F

Chord chart

  • 0:02 G
  • 0:03 D
  • 0:04 Em
  • 0:06 G
  • 0:06 D
  • 0:07 Em
  • 0:13 G
  • 0:14 D
  • 0:15 Em
  • 0:17 G
  • 0:18 D
  • 0:19 Em
  • 0:20 C
  • 0:21 D
  • 0:22 Em
  • 0:25 D
  • 0:26 Em
  • 0:30 G
  • 0:32 D
  • 0:34 Em
  • 0:36 C
  • 0:37 G
  • 0:39 D
  • 0:41 Em
  • 0:43 C
  • 0:45 G
  • 0:47 D
  • 0:49 Em
  • 0:51 C
  • 0:52 G
  • 0:54 D
  • 0:56 Em
  • 0:58 C
  • 1:00 G
  • 1:02 D
  • 1:04 Em
  • 1:06 C
  • 1:07 G
  • 1:08 D
  • 1:09 Em
  • 1:12 G
  • 1:12 D
  • 1:13 Em
  • 1:15 G
  • 1:16 D
  • 1:17 Em
  • 1:20 D
  • 1:21 Em
  • 1:23 C
  • 1:24 D
  • 1:25 Em
  • 1:29 G
  • 1:30 D
  • 1:32 Em
  • 1:34 C
  • 1:36 G
  • 1:38 D
  • 1:40 Em
  • 1:42 C
  • 1:43 G
  • 1:46 D
  • 1:47 Em
  • 1:49 C
  • 1:51 G
  • 1:53 D
  • 1:55 Em
  • 1:57 C
  • 1:58 G
  • 2:01 D
  • 2:02 Em
  • 2:04 C
  • 2:06 G
  • 2:08 D
  • 2:10 G
  • 2:15 Em
  • 2:17 G
  • 2:18 D
  • 2:19 Em
  • 2:22 D
  • 2:23 Em
  • 2:25 G
  • 2:26 D
  • 2:27 Em
  • 2:29 D
  • 2:30 Em
  • 2:32 G
  • 2:33 D
  • 2:34 Em
  • 2:40 G
  • 2:41 D
  • 2:42 Em
  • 2:44 G
  • 2:44 D
  • 2:45 Em
  • 2:51 G

Frequently asked questions

What key is Africa Unite in?

Africa Unite is in G major — its chords are also equally valid read against its relative key, Em, since the two share the same notes.

What chords does Africa Unite use?

The core of Africa Unite cycles through G, D, Em, C (4 chords).

What is the tempo of Africa Unite?

Africa Unite runs at 129 BPM in 3/4 time.

What chord progression does Africa Unite use?

Africa Unite follows the I-V-vi-IV progression. It's a modern pop / Axis progression (extremely common, often looped).

What capo should I use for Africa Unite?

No capo needed — G major already sits in standard open-chord shapes.

Related songs

Other songs using the I-V-vi-IV progression

Other songs in Em

More by Bob Marley