ROCKY DAWUNI UNVEILS BRAND NEW SINGLE ‘RISE’
Rocky Dawuni, the 3x GRAMMY-nominated Ghanaian singer/songwriter known as ‘The King of Afro Roots’ has released his new single ‘Rise’.
The first taste of his highly-anticipated and forthcoming new album.
‘Rise’ is a timely anthem for overcoming adversity and celebrating life’s victories. Underpinned by powerful, uplifting lyrics, ‘Rise’ also doubles as a call to action emboldening communities across the black diaspora to imagine the endless possibilities available if they remain aligned in the mutual vision to achieve true liberation and freedom.
A commanding declaration of resilience and empowerment in an increasingly polarized world, throughout the track, Rocky fervently sings with conviction “Imagine what we could do if we organize? Imagine what we could do if we unify?”
Produced by FB Da Mastermind (Nicki Minaj, Ariana Grande) and Nabeyin Panford (Travis Scott, Kanye West, SZA, Drake), ‘Rise’ deftly and tastefully blends the vibrancy home to Afrobeat and highlife music with contemporary Hip-Hop undertones. All of which is further brought to life by Rocky’s impassioned vocal performance evoking an air of optimism and assuredness.
Speaking on the track’s meaning and purpose, Rocky said: “Rise represents to me a rhythmic call to arms to elevate the energy of hope. It is a song that embraces a diversity of sounds and cultures to forge a soundtrack for these turbulent times. My aim is to strike a deep chord that will instill a sense of connectedness in humanity.”
The single’s accompanying video was directed by Emmanuel and Samuel Appiah Gyan, who together are better known as acclaimed photography duo Twinsdntbeg. Known for their innovative and dynamic approach to visual storytelling, Twinsdntbeg bring their unique vision to the foray. Creating a compelling visual experience that complements the song’s powerful message. Offering a rich tapestry of imagery that highlights the cultural heritage of Ghana, while optimizing the contemporary coolness of the new West African cultural renaissance.
The video was shot and filmed at the former Tuff Gong Africa in Ghana, founded by the iconic and beloved Rita Marley. Previously destroyed in a fire, the location is of special significance to Rocky as he is currently in the process of rebuilding and transforming the space into a global cultural incubator.
‘Rise’ is Rocky Dawuni’s first dose of new music since the release of his 2023 single ‘Shade Tree’ and 2022’s ‘Neva Bow Down’ featuring Jamaica’s Blvk H3ro which earned Rocky his third GRAMMY nomination for ‘Best Global Music Performance.’ Rocky’s influence continues to be more apparent with his lyrics from ‘Walls Tumblin Down’ being quoted recently by the Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Motley during her address to world leaders at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and his prominent role alongside Stevie Wonder with a joint concert and press conference during his historic gaining of Ghanaian citizenship in May 2024.
‘Rise’ is the first preview of Rocky Dawuni’s forthcoming new album which will mark his first since his 2020 album ‘Voice of Bunbon, Vol. 1’. The new collection of songs is set to be distributed by AQUARIAN Records through Tuff Gong International, the legendary label known for fostering the international reach of Reggae music. Championing groundbreaking artists such as Bob Marley & The Wailers, The I Threes, Judy Mowatt and Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers.
ABOUT ROCKY DAWUNI:
International music star and humanitarian activist Rocky Dawuni straddles the boundaries between Africa, the Caribbean and the U.S. to create an appealing sound that unites generations and cultures. With an easy-going charisma and reputation as a dedicated champion of social causes, Dawuni’s infectious grooves and dance-inducing anthems have consistently excited fans across the globe. Today, Dawuni is a household name in his native land, and widely considered one of Africa’s most recognized international stars.
A galvanizing performer, he has shared the stage with Stevie Wonder, Peter Gabriel, Jason Mraz, Janelle Monae, John Legend and Diana King among many others. Named one of ‘Africa’s Top 10 Global Stars’ by CNN, he has showcased his talent at prestigious venues such as The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. and The Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles.
Dawuni’s music has been featured in numerous television programs, including ER, Weeds and Dexter. In 2010, Dawuni’s song ‘African Soccer Fever’ was included on the FIFA World Cup South Africa video game from EA Sports.
In 1996 he produced his first album, ‘The Movement’, backed by members of Local Crisis and other Ghanaian reggae stars. The album became a major success in Ghana with a number of hit singles including ‘What Goes Around’ and ‘Sugar’. In 1998, Dawuni released his second album ‘Crusade’, followed by ‘Awakening’ in 2001, ‘Book of Changes’ in 2005 and ‘Hymns for the Rebel Soul’ in 2010. Dawuni’s sixth album, ‘Branches of the Same Tree’, was released in 2015 by Cumbancha Records and went on to be nominated for a GRAMMY in the ‘Best Reggae Album’ category.
In 2019, Rocky released his 7th studio album entitled ‘Beats of Zion’. Receiving rave reviews from Afropop Worldwide, World Music Central, PopMatters and tastemaker station KCRW.
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 joined forces with Product (RED), UNICEF, The Carter Center, and The UN Foundation. He has worked on campaigns focused on Guinea’s worm eradication, environmental issues, women’s health and education, HIV Aids advocacy, peace building and clean water. He is currently a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador for the Environment for Africa.