Vic Mensa joins One54 for a powerful conversation about identity, activism, and reconnecting the African diaspora.

Born Victor Kwasi Mensah, Vic reflects on growing up on Chicago’s South Side and living near figures like Barack Obama and Minister Farrakhan. He opens up about race, redlining, and navigating culture as a Ghanaian-American artist.

Vic also discusses launching the Black Star Line Festival in Ghana alongside Chance the Rapper, bringing together artists including Dave Chappelle, Erykah Badu, Jeremih, Sarkodie, Stonebwoy, and Cassper Nyovest.

The festival celebrates Ghana’s independence under Kwame Nkrumah and honors the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King attending Ghana’s Independence Day.

He also references cultural icons like Nina Simone, Stevie Wonder, Jimi Hendrix, Richie Havens, and Questlove while reflecting on music’s role in global Black liberation.

This episode dives deep into heritage, purpose, and building bridges between Africa and Black America.