Entertainment
Rocky Dawuni drops releases new single “Shade Tree”,
International award winning musician, songwriter, producer and activist, Rocky Dawuni has released his new single “Shade Tree”.
The song was released worldwide on September 12, 2023. The single will be the first from the 3x GRAMMY Nominated musician’s forthcoming new album set to drop in 2024.
“Shade Tree” is a timely new global anthem of empowerment and unity from the Ghanaian star.
The song 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.
Humanity shares this common destiny because we are nature and our destiny is intimately entwined with each other and with all of life just as the roots of the tree. Under the tree we are a community in our individuality.
Listen Here: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/rockydawuni/shade-tree
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 we represent different textures, colors and shades but we all share the same roots.
The song is from the 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 Dawuni’s own unique “Afro Roots” sound mixes Roots Reggae, Afrobeat, Highlife, Soul, Pop & more. A galvanizing performer, Dawuni has shared the stage with luminaries including Stevie Wonder, Ozomatli, Peter Gabriel, Angelique Kidjo and many more.
Rocky was named one of Africa’s Top 10 global stars by CNN having showcased his talent at prestigious venues such as The Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center and The Hollywood Bowl.
He is a dedicated activist serving as a UN Goodwill Ambassador for the Environment for Africa and a Global Ambassador for the World Day of African and Afro-Descendant Culture as well as running his own Rocky Dawuni Foundation.
Through these and other designations, he uses his music to shine a light on crucial issues facing humanity across the globe with live concerts, speaking roles, panels, youth empowerment and much more.
“Shade Tree,” written by Rocky Dawuni, has additional production by GRAMMY Nominated engineer and musician extraordinaire, Anthony Brewster as well as renown engineer Michael Vail Blum.
The song was mixed by multiple GRAMMY Award winning engineer and producer, Qmillion aka Keith Lewis, known for his work on the Robert Glasper “Black Radio” albums, Seun Kuti and more. Drawing from diverse influences and vocals stylings that sometimes recall classic soul singers like Curtis Mayfield and D’Angelo, with a production approach that merges elements of Hip Hop, Reggae and soul stirring social commentary,” Shade Tree” keeps things moving with its irresistible conscious groove heralding a new world of hope.
“Shade Tree” is NOW AVAILABLE worldwide on all platforms at:
https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/rockydawuni/shade-tree
Rocky Dawuni Links:
Akwaaba
http://www.instagram.com/rockydawuni
http://www.facebook.com/rockydawuni
http://www.youtube.com/rockydawunimusic
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Veteran Ghanaian musician Okyeame Kwame has announced a new initiative aimed at engaging teachers and students through music and creativity.
The award winning artiste in a social media post revealed that the “Clap Challenge” will begin this week, starting with schools across the country.
He explained that the challenge will require a teacher together with students to record a video of themselves singing his “Clap” song.
According to him, the video must be lively and engaging to stand a chance of winning.
He stated that participants must also post their videos on social media with permission from their school authorities.
They are expected to use the hashtag #clap4others and tag him on any social media platform.
He added that one teacher will be selected as a winner every week and will receive a cash prize of GH¢1,000.
He noted that the final decision on winners will be made by him.
The musician encouraged teachers and students to take part in the challenge, stressing that it is designed to promote creativity, unity and positive expression among young people in schools.
This follows a GHC100,000 support from businessman, Richard Nii Armah Quaye, who lauded the musician for composing a song which has the tendency to change society and help eschew jealousy.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Veteran Ghanaian actor, Fred Amugi, has been cast in the upcoming Pan-African television series, Kismet, where he will play the role of Chief Ademola, a wealthy and influential Yoruba patriarch.
The series, set for production in Abuja and other parts of Nigeria, brings together a diverse cast ensemble from Ghana, Nigeria, Cote d’Ivoire, South Africa, Cameroon, Kenya, and the United States.
A statement copied to the GNA in Accra said “It forms part of a broader effort to strengthen collaboration within Africa’s creative industry while positioning African stories for global audiences.”
Speaking on his involvement, Fred Nii Amugi, whose acting career spans more than four decades, described the role as a meaningful milestone.
“It is a proud moment for me at this stage of my career to be part of a Pan-African series,” he said.
“Playing a Yoruba character as a Ghanaian reflects something deeper about who we are as Africans. It reminds us that we are one people, connected beyond borders,” he indicated.
He added that his preparation for the role went beyond performance.
“As a Ghanaian of Ga heritage, I am taking time to study the historical and cultural links between the Ga and Yoruba people.
“I am learning about these connections so I can represent the character with truth and respect.”
“It is important that the world sees the shared identity that exists across our continent,” he noted.
Kismet is being developed as a high-quality thriller series with a Pan-African perspective, drawing talent from across the continent and the diaspora.
According to Nana Dwomoh-Doyen Benjamin, President of the African Chamber of Content Producers and production advisor for the project, the series represents the united image of Africa that is capable of contributing to the global creative economy.
“As part of building a Pan-African creative economy, Kismet is a call for Africans to come together and tell our stories as one people.
“We are also aligning this effort with the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to create a strong continental market for African content,” he underlined.
The producer of the series, Paul Joegad, emphasised the global ambition behind the project.
Based in the United States, Joegad noted that the production was designed to meet international standards while maintaining authentic African storytelling.
“We are leveraging diaspora networks and global experience to create a series that resonates across cultures,” he said.
“Our goal is to produce content that can stand on international platforms through quality and strong storytelling.”
He added that assembling the right team had been central to the project’s vision. Among those involved is Mawuko Kuadzi, a Casting Society of America (CSA) member and the first African to win an Artios Award in its 40-year history.
The producers say the series seeks to position Africa as a major player in global content, fostering international Pan-African partnerships. –GNA
