CLASSIC MAN CRUSH MONDAY #MCM: Nana Kwabena

Nana-920x517

Nana Kwabena was born with rhythm. The talented producer began by his career pounding on pots and pans as a toddler! Now his equipment might be more sophisticated but his passion is as pure as ever. Working with artists like Jidenna and Janelle Monae he not only creates classics from the heart he gives from it as well. Losing his brother to the Sickle Cell Disease they shared inspires him to dedicate time and energy to the service of his fellow Sickle Cell survivors. We were truly honored to speak with Nana about his family history, personal beliefs, and why he values articles of clothing far less than the condition of his soul. 

Read on to learn more about his organization and what makes him a classic man below.

What is your definition of a classic man?

A classic man is a man that’s smart, with dignity. I think a classic man is poised. He is able to make tough decisions in a limited amount of time. He is a man of his word. He understands the importance of discretion. He’s looked at as a leader in the community regardless of his occupation, it’s really his character that stands out above all.

Related: CLASSIC MAN CRUSH MONDAY #MCM: JIDENNA

What makes the women of Wondaland classic to you?

The thing that I’ve really grown to love about the women not only of Wondaland but also Fear and Fancy is their ability to have long term vision and also at the same time have attention to the details that allow them to execute their vision. Janelle Monae is a great example of that. She entered the industry having  long term vision. The way that she displays her artistry is reflective of somebody that puts a lot of thought into every move they make not just from a creative level but also from a business level. That culture is definitely a part of Wondaland and our collective Fear and Fancy. All the women are just  very sharp in their minds, their bodies and their spirits. 

nana-kwabena-christina-brown-made-in-america

Who is your biggest inspiration?

My mother she was the first person who disproved the concept of impossible to me as a single parent. We’re from Ghana and of the Ashanti tribe. We’re kind of known as the “warrior tribe” if you will. And I think she’s always lived by the motto of “difficult takes a day, impossible takes a week”. My passion, my desire, my fuel, my hunger all of that comes from my mother. She is my primary inspiration in everything that I do.

OkayAfrica+x+Jidenna+x+Nana+Kwabena

Related:LBS STREET STYLE: MADE IN AMERICA 2015 DAY 2

What made you develop such a strong bond with music?

I have pictures of me DJing as a baby! My grandmother used to babysit us and she loved watching soap operas. As a baby I couldn’t really walk or crawl until my 11th month so I would tumble to get around. I would tumble to turn off her TV, go to the turntable, put a record on, roll to the kitchen empty out all the pots and pans and drum to whatever I was hearing on the turntable. This was a daily ritual for me so as baby I was always in tune with music-literally.

5 Things you (probably) didn’t know about Nana Kwabena

  1. If he wasn’t in the music industry he would be a doctor and full time advocate for Sickle Cell Disease.
  2. He started the non-profit organization All One Blood to raise awareness about Sickle Cell. The organization has worked with John Legend, Bilal and others who support their cause.
  3. He studied Public Health at the University of Pennsylvania (where he met and became good friends with LoveBrownSugar founder and Editor-in-chief Christina Brown).
  4. The dapper dresser doesn’t feel dressed up without his signature hat and ambassador chain but believes as long as his soul and character are in tact he could “go anywhere and be good” .
  5. His favorite city is “the home of his ancestors”, Ghana’s Kumasi, because it is so rich in culture and has had a huge impact on him both personally and professionally.

Learn more about Nana Kwabena’s music here. Learn more about his philanthropic efforts here.

Got a suggestion for our #MCM feature? E-mail Christina at  christina(at)lovebrownsugar(dot)com with ideas about who should be LoveBrownSugar’s next Classic #MCM if you have any suggestions for the feature. 

-Keyaira N. Boone