Famed for his thought-provoking compositions, Rocky Dawuni has released a new single titled ‘Shade Tree’ which highlights unity from a deeper perspective.
The song is taken from his forthcoming album which is due for release next year.
The song by the three-time Grammy-nominated musician and activist, is based on the concept of the tree that provides shade for all of the various ‘shades’ of humanity. It is a convergence point and an oasis for all people. The shade tree is where conflicts and disagreements can be resolved; it provides “a shelter from the rain” which is shared amongst everyone.
As the lyrics say “we are one, but we are not the same.” Just like the leaves of the tree, we are not all of the same as were present different textures, colors and shades but we all share the same roots. The song is from a perspective of a lonely soul, seeking connection and community which is found in various manifestations in everyday life where people gather, celebrate and find connection from isolation.
“At a time when Africa is awakening to new political realities and the wider world is grappling with further geo-political divisions, this is a poignant song that reminds people of our shared humanity,” Rocky explains.
The video to the song, filmed in Salvador, Bahia in Brazil is a picturesque feast of culture, lifestyle and the soulful diversity of its people. Salvador, Bahia is the perfect setting for the video for the song ‘Shade Tree’ as the city itself grew from all of the Africans who were brought here and found each other creating this incredible nucleus of afro descendent culture–a modern day “cultural shade tree” that is the “roots” connecting Africa to the African Diaspora and to the rest of the globe.
The video was directed by Brazilian director Ema Ribeiro and produced by Acesssos Produtora .
“The reason I worked with Ema is because for me she represents one of the fast rising, cutting edge female directors coming out of Brazil today. Also since she is a resident of Salvador, her cinematic vision and perspective was an invaluable asset to projecting the global vision of the song,” he noted.
About Rocky Dawuni
Rocky Dawuni straddles the boundaries between Africa, the Caribbean and the U.S. to create his appealing Afro Roots sound that unites generations and cultures.
A galvanizing performer, Dawuni has shared the stage with luminaries including Stevie Wonder, Ozomatli, Sauti Sol, Janelle Monae and John Legend, 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, Lincoln Center and The Hollywood Bowl.
Rocky is a UN Goodwill Ambassador for the Environment for Africa, a UN Foundation Ambassador for the Clean Cooking Alliance and an Ambassador of Born Free USA. Rocky was also named the Global Ambassador for the World Day of African and Afrodescendant Culture which is a globally recognized by UNESCO.
Through these and other designations he uses his music to shine a light on crucial issues facing humanity cross the globe through live concerts, speaking roles, panels, youth empowerment and more.
Influenced by the soulful beats of Fela Kuti and the positive messages of Bob Marley – Rocky Dawuni’s infectious, sing-along sixth album, Branches of the Same Tree, (Cumbancha) was nominated for a GRAMMY for “Best Reggae Album” (2016) featuring the Afro Dancehall mashup video “African Thriller.”
Branches highlights Dawuni’s ability to communicate a universal, uplifting message that crosses borders and reaches out to the hearts of millions. The influential “Songlines Magazine named the album one of the “Top 10 Most Essential Reggae Albums of All Time!”
Rocky released a Ghana focused EP “Voice of Bunbon, Vol. 1” which was nominated for “Best Global Music Album” for the 2022 GRAMMY Awards. Three beautiful videos were released for the EP including “Ghost Town” shot in Los Angeles, CA by photographer Casey Bridges (son of legendary actor Beau Bridges) which is a poignant tribute to 2020 as well as “Beautiful People” which was shot by rising Ghanaian cinematographer Slinghot in Rocky’s home village of Bunbon, Ghana which explores how “a deep sense of appreciation and gratitude can shift our gaze to recognizing our personal and communal power.”
The most recent video for the classic Palmwine Highlife song “Woara” which means “you or it’s you” is sung in the local Akan dialect of Twi. It is a love song that uses its call and response style to express the beauty and triumph of being in love. In a time when divisive rhetoric on the rise and the political climate prefers to build walls over bridges, Rocky’s music is a refreshing message about global unity and a worldview of oneness.
Rocky released ‘Neva Bow Down’ featuring Blvk H3ro in late 2022 which was nominated for a GRAMMY for Best Global Music Performance. In spring of 2023, Rocky collaborated with world renown Jamaian Reggae group, Morgan Heritage on their track ‘Afreeca the Future’ also featuring Lord Alhajiam of Daara J fame from Senegal.
Rocky the released track and video with Highlife sensation and fellow Ghanaian, Kyekyeku for their collaboration track “Africa Till I Die” which is receiving rave reviews around the world and was launced with Pan African Music.
Watch ‘Shade Tree’ below:
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