This 'New Africa' Mix From Nana Kwabena Will Jump Start Your Week

DIASPORA—Nana Kwabena is one of the main forces behind the rise of the 'Classic Man.'

As Jidenna's producer, collaborator and trusted confidant, the Ghanaian-American played a large role in shaping the sonic world, and success, of the new star's debut album, The Chief.

He's also strongly dedicated to raising awareness and funds for sickle cell decease through his AllOneBlood foundation.

As OkayAfrica contributor Alisha Acquaye wrote earlier this year in our profile on Nana, "Kwabena’s aesthetic embodies young, black, African cool, wrapped up in consciousness and social awareness."

Nana's now returning with a very special treat in the form of this New Africa mixtape, which we're exclusively premiering here today.  Here's what he says about his mix:

"NEW AFRICA was inspired by Africa’s increasingly integral presence in mainstream music, fashion, and culture. Africa’s influence on global culture is evident throughout history—Africa is the past, present, and forever the future. We can’t lose sight that the continent has entrusted our generation, both home and abroad, with its stewardship."

"We have to be custodians of the culture by not only celebrating it," Nana continues, "but also by honoring and protecting the legacy of those who gave their lives so that this day could be realized. And, therefore, it is our duty to bridge the gaps within the diaspora and foster meaningful dialogue and action across cultural borders to not only bring Africa to the World, but the World to Africa."

Stream our premiere of Nana Kwabena's New Africa mix below.

New Africa Mix

01. Cyhi The Prince - Nu Africa

02. Future - Incredible

03. Yxng Bane - Shape of You Remix

04. French Montana ft. Swae Lee - Unforgettable

05. Ayat - Play For Keeps

06. Timaya - Bang Bang

07. Maleek Berry - 4 Me

08. Davido - If

09. Adekunle Gold & MoeLogo - Only Girl

10. Korede Bello ft. Kelly Rowland - Do Like That Remix

11. DJ Dimplez - Fuck Up Your Day

12. Iamsu! - Nada

13. PARTYNEXTDOOR - Not Nice

14. Desiigner - Thank God

15. Migos ft. Gucci Mane - Slippery

16. 24hrs ft. Ty Dolla $ign & Wiz Khalifa - What You Like

17. Young Thug - Best Thing of All Time

18. Travis Scott ft. Rae Sremmurd - Swang Remix

19. Lil Uzi Vert - Luv Scars

20. Kendrick Lamar - D.N.A.

21. Future - Mask Off

22. Jidenna ft. Quavo & Nana Kwabena - The Let Out

23. L-Tido ft. AKA & Yanga - Thixo

24. Frank Casino ft. Riky Rick - Whole Thing

25. Iyanya ft. Don Jazzy & Dr. SID - Up To Something

26. WizKid ft. Drake - Come Closer

27. Popcaan - My Chargie

28. Sjava & DJ Maphorisa ft. Howard - Ngempela

29. DJ Maphorisa ft.Smile & Howard - Mbokodo

30. Kamaiyah - I’m On

31. Kojo Funds x Abra Cadabra - Dun’ Talkin

32. Jeremih - London

33. Runtown - Mad Over You

34. Sarkodie - Say It

35. Tekno - Rara

36. Calvin Harris ft. Migos & Frank Ocean - Slide

37. Major Lazer ft. PARTYNEXTDOOR & Nicki Minaj - Run Up

38. Selebobo ft. Yemi Alade - Conquer

39. Tiwa Savage - All Over

40. The Weeknd - Secrets x Passionfruit (Young Kippur Mashup)