Entertainment
Rocky Dawuni readies for AfroZons Pre-GRAMMY Nomination Celebration on Saturday
Afrozons Celebrates African GRAMMY Nominees Rocky Dawuni, Tobe Nwigwe, Eddy Kenzo, Nomcebo Zikode, Angelique Kidjo & more at the AfroZon Pre-GRAMMY Celebration Party on Saturday, February 4 from 2-6pm at Habor House in Downtown Los Angeles
Afrozons founder, Sheila O, recently played host to Nigerian born American-based rapper, Tobe Nwigwe and Ghanaian musician and activist Rocky Dawuni in Lagos, Nigeria to celebrate the first leg of the Afrozons Pre-Grammy Celebration.
Nwigwe, who also doubles as an actor, is nominated for “Best New Artist,” while Dawuni is nominated for “Best Global Music Performance” for his single “Neva Bow Down” featuring Jamaica’s Blvk H3ro.
Dawuni who is nominated for his 3rd GRAMMY Award, states “African music right now is impacting the world, it has always impacted the world. But the world never acknowledged it because you only have to look at popular music and you know that the influences were more of a cultural conversation between the motherland and the Diaspora. But now with the power of the internet we have seen our music circumvent many of the traditional gatekeepers who used to define what the African sound is. I believe this is a new chapter in African music.”
Dawuni’s signature Afro Roots style is a musical genre that reflects modern Africa. It is built upon the foundation of using cultural styles and integrating current innovations to create conscious music that is inspiring, soul stirring and danceable.
As a dedicated activist, Rocky has been a leading voice for social and environmental transformation and currently serves as UN Goodwill Ambassador for the Environment for Africa, amongst other designations.
GRAMMY nominees including Burna Boy, Eddy Kenzo and a host of others will be attending the event in Los Angeles on February 4.
AfroZons is the first-ever Afrobeats show on a major US radio FM network. It is now a weekly, nationally syndicated showcase of the latest cultural trends, topical conversations and music from the afro diaspora, including urban fusion sounds from the western world. AfroZons, “where hip-hop meets afrobeats,” bridges the gap between the global afro culture and the American urban culture by highlighting the array of sounds and cultures from the continent.
Source: Cary Sullivan
Ghanaian dancehall artiste Charles Nii Armah Mensah, known as Shatta Wale, has won two awards at the 43rd International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA) held in Florida over the weekend.
He picked up the Best African Dancehall Entertainer award as well as Concert of the Year for ShattaFest.
In a statement, Shatta Wale’s management expressed appreciation to the organisers and supporters of the awards.
“Management would like to sincerely appreciate the organisers of the IRAWMA awards for the recognition and continuous support for African music on the global stage.
“We also extend our deepest gratitude to fans across the world, especially the Shatta Movement fraternity, for their unwavering support, votes, and dedication throughout the years,” the statement said.
The statement added that the latest wins reaffirm the artiste’s position as one of Africa’s leading musical exports and a prominent figure in global dancehall culture.
The awards bring Shatta Wale’s total haul at the IRAWMA to 11, highlighting his continued presence on the international reggae and dancehall scene.
At last year’s edition, he won three awards: Best African Dancehall Entertainer, Best Music Video for “Killa Ji Mi”, and Best Crossover Song for “Commando” featuring Bounty Killer. -GNA
Legendary gospel artist Herty Ofori Borngreat is officially returning to the music scene after a 13-year hiatus, her management announced Wednesday.
The surprise announcement ends over a decade of absence from the music industry for the celebrated singer.
According to an official statement released by her management team, the upcoming comeback will feature a rollout of new music projects and various spirit-filled initiatives aimed at inspiring hope and connecting with believers globally.
“We are delighted to officially announce that Herty Ofori Borngreat is making a highly anticipated return to the gospel music scene,” the management team noted in a statement, expressing deep gratitude to fans and partners for their unwavering loyalty during her long absence.
They added, “We are confident that this comeback will be both impactful and memorable.”
Management has urged fans, the media, and the global gospel community to follow her official social media platforms for update.
No specific dates have been set for the first single, but updates are expected in the coming weeks.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
