Palisadian Musician, Activist Rocky Dawuni’s Latest Album Delivers Message of Unity

By SIERRA DAVIS | Pali Life Editor

In the same way international musician and humanitarian activist Rocky Dawuni shares his time between his home in Pacific Palisades and his hometown Bunbon, Ghana, his music also spans boundaries between Africa, the Caribbean and other influences to create what he calls an “Afro-Roots” sound meant to unite generations and cultures.

Filled with uplifting songs and unifying messages, Dawuni’s sixth album, Branches of the Same Tree, released March 31, blends inspirations from his diverse background while expanding on his identity as an artist.

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, Dawuni’s songs blend elements of reggae, Afrobeat and global pop into a sound all his own.

“When you get an education, you learn from textbooks and teachers, but eventually you go beyond what you’re taught and interpret it in your own way. That’s part of the education of any artist,” Dawuni told the Palisadian-Post. “Ultimately, the key is finding your own true identity as an artist and as you progress you also elevate the music of those who came before you.”

The songs on Branches of the Same Tree also feature 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.

“Los Angeles is such an amazing place filled with incredible artists that I have become friends with over the years. Through our work, our worlds have connected and it has been a real privilege to work with them on this album,” Dawuni said.

Named one of Africa’s Top 10 global stars by CNN, Duwani has performed his dance-inducing anthems all around the world, sharing the stage with Stevie Wonder, Peter Gabriel, Bono, Jason Mraz, Janelle Monae and John Legend, among many others.

In between playing major festivals and venues such as The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. and The Hollywood Bowl, Dawuni headlined the Fourth of July concert at Palisades High School’s Stadium by the Sea in 2011 and the Post’s Blast Off to Summer Block Party last Sunday.

“Every stage feels different and each country’s culture comes through in the way they respond to the music, but more than anything I find that when we gather to share in the excitement of the music, we are all celebrating the same thing and there is a closeness and oneness we all experience in that,” he said.

In support of global unity, Dawuni has aligned his music with Product (RED), UNICEF, the Carter Center and the UN Foundation. In 2012, he was appointed the Tourism and Cultural Ambassador of Ghana and World Ambassador for the Musicians Union of Ghana.

That same year, he was named a United Nations Foundation Ambassador for the Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves, alongside Palisadian actress Julia Roberts and chef José Andrés.

“Music is a vehicle for inspiration. I have always felt drawn to music that looks at social issues. Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, John Lennon, U2 – these are musicians who have used their music as leverage to be of service,” he said. “That has always been an aspect of my music. I write lyrics of togetherness, kindness, compassion and other ideals. To help organizations and partner with causes with the same message is important. That’s oneness; one rhythm.”

Dawuni said having the opportunity to travel and experience other cultures while growing up in Africa exposed him to different religious practices, political views and social forces. He realized early on that most conflicts stem from an inability to communicate cross-culturally.

“Many times, you might be saying the same thing, but cannot understand each other,” he said.

One song on Dawuni’s new album, “Children of Abraham,” was motivated by his trip to Israel and Palestine and focuses on choosing the path to peace over any path to war.

“When we recognize we are all branches of the same tree we begin to see our common roots,” he said. “Branches of the Same Tree tries to access the middle ground and focus on the positive things that bring us all together rather than the negative things that separate us.”