If you're a regular at This is Africa you're probably familiar with the sound of African Hit Radio, our 24/7 web and mobile channel playing nothing but the latest hits from all over the continent and diaspora. Every once in a while we like to zoom in on a particular sound or region, and the best way to do that is by using the turntables.
Over the past months, African Hit Radio has been streaming weekly live shows from Accra, Nairobi, Cape Town and Akron (USA) with the likes of Dj Mineral, DJ Prince, Dj Brian and Dj Zaga. This year, expect new genre based weekly shows, more live mixing and the occasional free download.
Kicking off the new African Hit Radio mixtape series is Ghana's Dj Black. Anyone with an interest in Ghanaian popular music will know the man - nicknamed 'his royal Blackness' - from his pioneering role in the development of the Ghana hiplife and hip hop scene, his radio show on Joy FM, his performances at the biggest musical events and on international TV series such as Emcee Africa and the podcasts he's been putting out. A collabo with This Is Africa was long overdue, and we're proud to present Dj Black's African Beats, the first volume in the African Hit Radio mixtape series. 
Dj Black: "This mix has hiplife, Azonto, Afro beats, afro pop and more. Most artists in Ghanaian popular music have caught the azonto fever. There's a generic sound in azonto right now, but the genre is still developing."
There's more to be expected from the man in black this year: he is working on season 2 of Dj Black's Cypher and there will be a new album representing his label, Toontoom music.
Download or stream 'This Is Africa presents Dj Black's African Beats' through the player below. Get the high-resolution jpg artwork here (cd cover front) and here (cd cover back).
By downloading the mix and submitting your e-mail you will be subscribed to the bi-weekly This is Africa newsletter which keeps you updated about new mixes, articles and subscriber-only goodies.
Tracklist
1 Samini ft Wizkid - Time bomb
2 DJ Black - Remember Go-go mashup
3 Eazzy ft. Jupiter - Go-go-wind
4 NY ft Appietus - Love Like Musiq
5 Flavour - Adama
6 Bisa - Azonto Ghost tune
7 eLDee - Today Today
8 Sauce Kid - Carolina
9 Wizkid - Pakuromo
10 Stay Jay - Prepaid Gurl
11 Tinny - Anaconda
12 E.L. - Hallelujah ft. M.anifest
13 Dr. Slim ft. double - Seke
14 Papi - Owie Odwomo
15 D-Black ft. Joey B - Vera
16 Ice prince - Superstar
17 Chuddy K Gaga - Crazy
18 DJ Black - Oliver Twist blends
19 D'Banj - Oliver (Oliver Twist)
20 DJ Cyndo - Amerido
21 DJ Cleo - Facebook (Eskhaleni 8)
22 Modulo ft Arrow - Dunbeii Mii
23 Criss Waddle Ft Bisaayi - Azonto Ghost
24 Bobii Lewis ft. The Gahd & Skob - Sweet Girl
25 Fuse ODG-Antenna
26 Yaw Siki - Jeggings Party
27 4x4 - London Bridge
28 Donaeo - Move To Da Gyal Dem (Sarkodie RMX)
29 Donae'O ft Sarkodie & Ice
30 Prince - Big Ben Remix
31 Keche - Body Lotion
