The pan-Africanist ideal never died—it morphed into hybridised sonic fragments that connect Joburg to Nairobi via Lagos and Accra. One of our favourite torchbearers of the continent’s far-reaching musical ingenuity is DJ Neptune, the Lagos-hailing producer and DJ who, for this Africa Now mix, has chosen songs from artists including Seyi Vibez, Asake, Black Sherif, DJ Maphorisa, Shallipopi, Shoday and FOLA as exemplary of “raw emotion, energy and originality that people feel instantly”. “These tracks speak to the mood, energy and heartbeat of the continent,” Neptune says. “Whether it’s joy, reflection, hype or comfort, they’re songs that make you feel something without forcing it. The balance between male and female voices also brings the full spectrum of emotion that I personally connect to.” Listen to DJ Neptune’s vision of Africa Now and check back each month for more one-of-a-kind mixes.