Flutist David Crawford Channels Africa and Hope in His Uplifting New Single “Africa Nouveau”

After decades of shaping the sounds of R&B and soul greats like Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knight, Mary J. Blige, Bill Withers, Rene & Angela, Bobby Womack, and Confunkshun, flutist and arranger David Crawford is stepping into the spotlight with his inspired new single, “Africa Nouveau.” The track, written, produced, and performed by Crawford, is now streaming on all major digital platforms.

Drawing from both African roots and the words of Michelle Obama, Crawford fuses cultural pride with a call for unity and self-worth. The former First Lady’s voice rings through mid-song with the powerful excerpt: “All our contributions deserve to be accepted and valued.” For Crawford, this message felt urgent and timeless. “I wanted to record a song that would be encouraging, empowering, and be a hopeful endeavor for the world at large,” he says. “Africa, being my ancestral beginnings, was my first inspiration for a new world order.”

Sonically, “Africa Nouveau” is a lush, contemporary jazz journey. Crawford’s soulful flute glides confidently over rhythms and melodies inspired by African traditions, while trumpeter Nolan Shaheed—a veteran who has performed with Miles Davis, Earth, Wind & Fire, and Marvin Gaye—adds his signature muted trumpet, weaving a textured dialogue with Crawford’s flute. “Adding his unique instrumental voice brings a lot of depth and color to the track,” Crawford notes.

A Compton native now based in Las Vegas, Crawford holds a master’s degree in music from CalArts. His résumé includes producing Vesta Williams’ Billboard Top 10 R&B hit “Once Bitten, Twice Shy,” recording with Ahmad Jamal and The Temptations, and performing alongside Stevie Wonder and Isaac Hayes.

With “Africa Nouveau,” Crawford sets the stage for a new chapter—one that blends artistry, ancestry, and aspiration. He plans to release additional singles leading up to his debut album, “Something Borrowed."