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Rocky Dawuni / Blog

Rocky Dawuni New Album "Beats of Zion" Drops March 8, 2019!!

Rocky Dawuni Aims to Re-Energize the Forces of Love and Hope on "Beats of Zion"

Rocky Dawuni, the international music star/global ambassador and humanitarian activist, releases his first single and title track of his highly anticipated 7th studio album Beats of Zion, January 25, 2019 on all platforms via Six Degrees Distribution. The thirteen-track album (out March 8, 2019) follows the GRAMMY nominated album Branches of the Same Tree, (“Best Reggae Album” in 2016) and expands Rocky’s signature "Afro Roots” sound.

In a time when divisive rhetoric is on the rise and the political climate prefers to build walls over bridges, Rocky’s album Beats of Zion is a refreshing message about global unity and a worldview of oneness. Rocky passionately states, “We live in a time when the elements of international morality need to be proclaimed as a guiding principle for how we engage and deal with each other, between individuals, between communities and among nations. It is a time for global mobilization for action on challenging socio-political issues like the environment and the refugee crisis. Beats of Zion is the drumbeat of war against apathy and re-energizing the forces of love and hope.” He concludes, “Beats of Zion is the rhythm of change beating from a distance and getting louder to awaken positive consciousness.” More info: http://rockydawuni.com/rocky-dawuni-announces-new-album/

Buy NOW all platforms: https://rockydawuni.lnk.to/beatssingle

Aftown App (Ghana): https://efie.co/m4i9c

Video Premiere: Rocky Dawuni “Beats of Zion” https://youtu.be/gWNpphv-7rk

“Influenced by sounds from across the African diaspora - everywhere from Dawuni's native Ghana to the Caribbean - and beyond, the artist cements his role as a central voice in the contemporary African reggae scene by expanding its very scope.” – PopMatters

“On Beats of Zion, African Reggae star Rocky Dawuni continues to demonstrate he’s one of the most exciting artists coming out of Africa. His style goes beyond traditional roots reggae by incorporating other genres such as highlife, ear friendly Afropop, seductive global beats and more. “ World Music Central “What a tremendous performance from international Reggae star Rocky Dawuni. It has been a joy to watch his maturation as a writer and performer, and this Ghana-based video shows him at the absolute height of his powers, chanting an irresistibly danceable melody that expands the range of his syncretic powers. First rate and a pure joy!" - Roger Steffens (author of the award-winning "So Much Things to Say: The Oral History of Bob Marley)

Rocky Dawuni at Cannes Lion Festival of Creativity 2017

As hundreds of organizations, business leaders, global brands and creative minds from all around the world gather in Cannes for the 2017 edition of Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity, Ghanaian GRAMMY nominated musician and activist, Rocky Dawuni will be featured on two high profile panels hosted by McCann Health and United Nations Foundation joining a roundtable on “Populism and Creativity” as well as a panel discussion on “How Creativity and Clean Cooking Can Cave Lives.” The Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves along with governmental stakeholders and partners are working to enable 100 million households globally to adopt clean cook stoves and fuels by 2020. The session will explore how the public and private sectors are coming together to develop creative solutions to reduce the effects of cooking smoke on the environment, and to improve the lives of women and children in the developing world.

This years edition will feature world class speakers across 18 stages including Jeffrey Katzenberg, Jesse Jackson, Sir Ian McKellen, Ryan Seacrest, Dame Helen Mirren, UN Deputy Secretary General Amina Mohamed among many others.

Established in 1954, the 64th International Festival Of Creativity takes place between 17-24 June in Cannes, France. Last year’s event attracted 15,000 people from over 100 countries and is expected to attract more brand leaders than ever before as well as the worlds most innovative tech companies, start ups and creative people.

This event comes right on the heels of the Ghanaian musicians high profile invitation to join Canadian Minister of Environment Catherine McKenna, singer Jack Johnson, UNEP Director Erik Solheim , actor / activist Adrian Grenier and Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau to celebrate World Environment Day 2017 in Canada. Dawuni’s eloquence, cultural diplomacy and successful melding of music and activism have led him to become a passionate spokesperson for various global causes. He has supported humanitarian, peace building and climate protection efforts with many organizations including UNICEF, RFK Center for Human Rights, UNEP, The Carter Center, UNFCC, Product (RED), Whole Planet Foundation, GRAMMY Foundation and AEGIS Trust. Rocky is a United Nations Foundation Ambassador for the Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves, an initiative launched by Hillary Clinton, alongside actress Julia Roberts and Chef José Andrés.

For more information on Rocky Dawuni please check out:

Rocky Dawuni EPK https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZvqFVscwAg

Rocky Dawuni “Shine A Light” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Kt9V9G_sOw

http://www.rockydawuni.com http://ww.youtube.com/rockydawunimusic http://www.facebook.com/rockydawuni

ROCKY DAWUNI Nominated for Grammy for Best Reggae Album!!

GHANA'S ROCKY DAWUNI GOES FOR GRAMMY GOLD

We are happy to announce that Cumbancha artist Rocky Dawuni's latest album, Branches of the Same Tree, has just been nominated for a GRAMMY in the Best Reggae Album category. Dawuni, the only non-Jamaican artist in the running this year and the first Ghanaian to be nominated, is up against some of the heavyweights of modern reggae with his Billboard Top 10 album.

Reflecting on the prestigious nomination, Dawuni says that he feels, "truly honored and at the same time humbled. I’ve always focused on giving my best in my work and it’s a good feeling to know that it is being appreciated. I am grateful for the recognition. Branches of the Same Tree is about stressing the common roots that we all share in this human family. It inspires the listener to aspire to a place of hope. It’s about having faith in the power of compassion and oneness."

The final ballots to determine the GRAMMY winners are due by January 15th, 2016. If you are a voting member, we encourage you to include Rocky Dawuni on your ballot. The 58th Annual GRAMMY Awards will broadcast live on CBS on Monday, Feb. 15, 2016, at 8 p.m. ET/PT.

Rocky Dawuni joins RFK Human Rights Leadership Council

Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights is proud to announce that musician Rocky Dawuni has joined the organization’s Leadership Council.

“We are honored to have Rocky Dawuni join the Leadership Council and know he will bring new insights and energy to support our work,” said Kerry Kennedy, President of Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights. “In April, we had the privilege to work with Rocky as part of the Concert for Social Justice and are looking forward to future collaborations.”

The Leadership Council supports the activities and programs of Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights, providing strategic advice, opening doors, and using their talents to advance social justice. In addition to Dawuni, the council includes President Bill Clinton, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Quincy Jones, Harry Belafonte, and other luminaries committed to supporting human rights.

The African musician and activist, Dawuni who recently released his new album "Branches of the Same Tree" (Cumbancha) to worldwide critical acclaim and current Reggae Grammy consideration stated, "the primary mission of my music has been focused on amplifying the greater good and being an instrument for justice and the defense of human rights. It is an honor to join the esteemed Robert F. Kennedy Leadership Council and have the opportunity to champion its vision and aspirations. http://rfkhumanrights.org/news/news/acclaimed-musician-rocky-dawuni-joins-our-leadership-council/

For more information on RFK Human Rights please visit www.rfkhumanrights.org

Http://www.cumbancha.com/rockydawuni http://www.rockydawuni.com http://www.facebook.com/rockydawuni http://www.instagram.com/rockydawuni http://www.twitter.com/rockydawuni

Rocky Dawuni Grammy Consideration

The GRAMMYs VOTERS - FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION

58th Grammy Awards ‪#‎Reggae‬ album Category

Rocky Dawuni ‪#‎BranchesoftheSameTree‬

http://www.cumbancha.com/rockydawuni

Rocky Dawuni's "Branches of the Same Tree" Available NOW!

Rocky Dawuni "Branches of the Same Tree Buy Now: Cumbancha / iTunes / Amazon CUMBANCHA PRESENTS: Rocky Dawuni Branches of the Same Tree BUY NOW: Cumbancha Store / iTunes / Amazon The first 150 people to order a physical CD at shop.cumbancha.com will receive a handwoven bracelet from Ghana. WATCH THE VIDEO FOR THE ALBUM'S HIT SINGLE "AFRICAN THRILLER" Branches of the Same Tree, the new album from Rocky Dawuni is out NOW worldwide on Cumbancha. International music star and humanitarian activist Rocky Dawuni straddles the musical boundaries between Africa, the Caribbean and the U.S. to create an appealing "Afro-Roots" sound that unites generations and cultures. Filled with uplifting and irresistible songs, Rocky's sixth album, and first on Cumbancha, blends inspirations from his diverse experiences while expanding on his identity as an artist, a proud son of Africa and as a true world citizen. Check out Rocky Dawuni's tour dates with more to follow here. “Rocky’s music is a creative inspiration that has no boundaries.” - Ziggy Marley "Few artists have a more positive vibe than Rocky. His show is an incandescent Afro-Roots dance party.” – LA Weekly “His influence has been widespread, working with Bono and Stevie Wonder while his songs are consistently featured in popular American television shows. Rocky is one of the rare African artists to break through to a broad audience.” – The Huffington Post http://us1.campaign-archive1.com/?u=caa284edf7a8b81c0747a5ea4&id=d1334b7c76&e=9fe5c18db2

Order Rocky Dawuni's "Branches of the Same Tree" Now from Cumbancha!

http://shop.cumbancha.com/ Rocky’s music is a creative inspiration that has no boundaries.” - Ziggy Marley “Performing his self-described 'Afro-Roots' sound, a fusion of reggae and Afrobeat groove, few artists have a more positive vibe than Rocky. His show is an incandescent Afro-Roots dance party.” – LA Weekly “His influence has been widespread, working with Bono and Stevie Wonder while his songs are consistently featured in popular American television shows. Rocky is one of the rare African artists to break through to a broad audience.” – Huffington Post PRE ORDER NOW FOR A MARCH 31st RELEASE AND RECEIVE THIS BRACELET FROM GHANA ALONG WITH YOUR CD http://shop.cumbancha.com/ International music star and humanitarian activist Rocky Dawuni straddles the musical boundaries between Africa, the Caribbean and the U.S. to create an appealing “Afro-Roots” sound that unites generations and cultures. Filled with uplifting and irresistible songs, Rocky’s sixth album, and first on Cumbancha, blends inspirations from his diverse experiences while expanding on his identity as an artist, a proud son of Africa and as a true world citizen. Cumbancha releases Branches of the Same Tree worldwide on March 31st, 2015.

ROCKY DAWUNI releases"Branches of the Same Tree"(Cumbancha) March 31, 2015!!

International music star and humanitarian activist Rocky Dawuni straddles the musical boundaries between Africa, the Caribbean and the U.S. to create an appealing "Afro-Roots" sound that unites generations and cultures. Filled with uplifting and irresistible songs, Rocky's sixth album, and first on Cumbancha, blends inspirations from his diverse experiences while expanding on his identity as an artist, a proud son of Africa and as a true world citizen. Cumbancha will release Branches of the Same Tree worldwide on March 31st, 2015. Inspired by the soulful beats of Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti, the positive messages and deep grooves of Bob Marley and the infectious, sing-along anthems of Michael Franti, K'naan and Matisyahu, Rocky Dawuni's songs blend elements of reggae, Afrobeat and global pop into an enticing new sound. The songs on Branches of the Same Tree also reflect influences of New Orleans funk, Brazilian samba, even the lilting sounds of Hawaiian ukulele, seamlessly integrated into a unique and approachable style. The album features appearances by an all-star lineup of guest musicians, including veterans from Michael Franti and Spearhead, Steel Pulse, Ben Harper and The Innocent Criminals and Ziggy Marley. Already a superstar in West Africa with a devoted international fan base, Branches of the Same Tree promises to bring Rocky's music to even wider audiences around the world. “Performing his self-described 'Afro-Roots' sound, a fusion of reggae and Afrobeat groove, few artists have a more positive vibe than Rocky. His show is an incandescent Afro-Roots dance party.” – LA Weekly For more information, music samples, or to arrange interviews, contact: Seanan Denizot at Cumbancha: seanan@cumbancha.com / 802.425.2118 Press materials, photos, biographies and more available at http://www.cumbancha.com/rockydawuni/press ALBUM IS AVAILABLE WORLDWIDE MARCH 31 ON ITUNES and in selected stores plus available NOW at http://shop.cumbancha.com/ for pre-order!! Get yours NOW and get special "Ghana" bracelet as a gift!

Afro-Roots Star Rocky Dawuni at SXSW!!

Afro-Roots Star Rocky Dawuni Performing at SXSW!! http://www.cumbancha.com/rocky-dawuni-performing-at-sxsw/ Cumbancha artist Rocky Dawuni, whose upcoming album Branches of the Same Tree releases worldwide on March 31st, is bringing his unique "Afro-Roots" sound to Austin at the following South By Southwest events: Monday, March 16th An acoustic performance and panel discussion at the "Social Good Hub" at SXSW (inside Trinity Hall) organized by the United Nations Foundation and the Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves at 4pm. Open to all badge holders. Wednesday, March 18th An acoustic performance at Flamingo Cantina also featuring Kabaka Pyramid and more from 10:50pm to 11:20pm. Open to all badge holders. Saturday, March 21st A full band performance at Quantum Collective Showcase from 4:20pm to 5:05pm on the rooftop of Whole Foods Market in downtown Austin. http://quantumcollective.com/southwestinvasion?mc_cid=791f4bf8a3&mc_eid=3385cda230 Saturday, March 21st A full band performance at Rock Paper Scissors showcase from 9pm to 9:40pm at the Russian House. Open to all badge holders. https://www.facebook.com/events/525863087553071/ **Rocky Dawuni Band Performances Sponsored by Whole Planet Foundation, Marley Coffee and Marley Beverage Company. Rocky Dawuni is an international music star and humanitarian activist who transcends the musical boundaries between Africa, the Caribbean and the U.S. to create an irresistible sound. His music unites generations and cultures with infectious grooves and uplifting messages. You may have already heard the album's first single "African Thriller" and seen its electrifying music video. If not, watch the video here. Filled with uplifting and irresistible songs, Rocky's sixth album, and first on Cumbancha, blends inspirations from his diverse experiences while expanding on his identity as an artist, a proud son of Africa and as a true world citizen. New album due out March 31 worldwide on Itunes and available NOW for pre-order at http://shop.cumbancha.com/

Rocky Dawuni "African Thriller" Remix Contest

"African Thriller", the first single from Rocky Dawuni's forthcoming Branches of the Same Tree (out March 17th, 2015) embodies a unique and accessible "Afro-Roots" sound: a sumptuously funky blend of soul, pop, Afrobeat and reggae grooves. With his internationally recognized charisma and reputation as a dedicated activist, Rocky is a galvanizing performer and now he wants you to remix his celebratory track! The “African Thriller Remix Contest” is your opportunity to express yourself through Rocky Dawuni’s music in whatever genre of your choosing. All are encouraged to enter and winners will be selected directly by Rocky. Be as creative as you can and transform Rocky’s music! In his own words: "My song 'African Thriller' represents a cultural fusion of musical styles and challenging boundaries. I believe it lends itself to exciting and interesting sonic interpretations." This month, the electrifying video for “African Thriller” features DJ and Producer Jeremey Sole's remixed version of the song. Sole, an acclaimed host on Los Angeles' taste-defining radio station KCRW has previously remixed tracks for Femi Kuti, David Bowie, Thievery Corporation and Quantic among others. Watch the video here. Full downloadable stems of “African Thriller” can be downloaded directly here. And are available on Cumbancha’s Soundcloud page here. Prizes The Grand Prize Winner's track will be promoted through the artist’s and label's social media and the winner will receive The House of Marley’s lux Bamboo Get Together Bluetooth ® Portable Audio System as well as a signed, limited-edition vinyl copy of Rocky’s new album Branches of the Same Tree. Two Runner Ups will receive the stylish Liberate On-Ear Headphones also from The House of Marley. Contest Dates: December 8, 2014 - Remix Contest begins February 8, 2015 - Remix Contest closes (all submissions must be made before midnight EST) March 17, 2015 - Branches of Same Tree album release date + Remix Contest winner is announced More information at: http://www.cumbancha.com/african-thriller-remix-contest