Rocky Dawuni, Ghana’s two-time GRAMMY-nominated musician returns to U.S. stages this month with two appearances, hot on the heels of the release of his latest single, “Neva Bow Down,” available now on all platforms.
“Neva Bow Down” is Rocky’s first new single since his nomination for “Best Global Music Album” for Voice of Bunbon, Vol. 1 at the 64th Annual GRAMMY Awards earlier this year. “Neva Bow Down” has been submitted for your consideration for the “Best Global Music Performance” and “Best Song for Social Change” categories
for the 65th Annual GRAMMY Awards.
On “Neva Bow Down” Rocky teams up with rising Jamaican star Blvk H3ro for a global roots anthem, distilling elements of pop, dub, and reggae for a modern take on rebel music. The collaborative spirit of the song reconnects Africa and the Afro-Descendant Diaspora, drawing on Jamaica’s powerful culture of resistance. Together, Rocky and Blvk H3ro weave a tapestry of melodies with an unforgettable chorus, laid on top of producer Bob Riddim’s speaker-busting production. This protest anthem is a meditation on the current, dire state of global affairs and our collective power to change the course of history, serving as an inspiration for people to stand up for what is right and true.
The striking video for “Neva Bow Down” recently premiered on Afropop Worldwide simultaneously on terrestrial TV in Ghana. According to Rocky, “the video is a thoughtful and beautifully shot visual feast of confrontation of an awakened people and the systems that impede expression.”
Directed by Slingshot, the rising young Ghanaian director and cinematographer who has already partnered up with Rocky on his “Wickedest Sound” video (Beats of Zion) and on the “Beautiful People” video (Voice of Bunbon, Vol. 1) Slingshot describes the “Neva Bown Down” video as “a visual depiction of the fatigue in the very fabric of the tolerance level of the masses who are tired of the elitism and are on a quest to break loose of their mind control.” The video was shot on the streets of Accra while Blvk H3ro was filmed at the beautiful Hen House Studios in Venice, CA.
“We can always count on Ghanaian Reggae veteran Rocky Dawuni to deliver robust, Reggae ear-worms that both provoke and delight. He’s done it again in the company of Jamaican reggae star BLVK H3RO. “Neva Bow Down” is a defiant rebel anthem well suited to boost morale in a troubled time …” — Afropop Worldwide
Rocky Dawuni, straddles the boundaries between Africa, the Caribbean and the Americas to create his appealing Afro Roots sound which fuses elements of Reggae, Afrobeat, Highlife and Soul that unites generations and cultures. Dawuni’s charisma and galvanizing performances have endeared him to crowds around the globe where he has shared the stage alongside luminaries including Stevie Wonder and John Legend, among many others 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. Rocky believes “that music is the medium to strike a chord that transforms our collective intentions into a vehicle for positive social change.
Blvk H3ro (pronounced Black Hero) is one of Jamaica’s most exciting and original young artists, but he’s far from new to the scene. Over the past half-decade, he’s built an impeccable track record and fervent following with his uplifting and ambitious modern reggae sound, while collaborating with the likes of Bunny Wailer, UB40, Equiknoxx and Skillibeng. Jamaica’s Prime Minister, Andrew Holness, has even sung his praises, commending his song “It Nuh Easy” for its positive influence on Jamaican youth during a recent speech to the nation.
Rocky will be headlining alongside Angeliqule Kidjo, Dhaka Bhraka and Rising Appalachia on the main stage of the 50th Anniversary edition of the LEAF Festival in Asheville, NC, on Saturday, October 22nd. Rocky will also perform at the SOKA Performing Arts Center in Aliso Viejo, CA on Saturday, October 29th, amongst other special engagements. Tickets are available on respective websites.
Follow Rocky Dawuni:
http://www.facebook.com/rockydawuni , http://www.instagram.com/rockydawuni , http://wwww.twitter.com/rockydawuni , http://www.youtube.com/rockydawunimusic
Follow Blvk H3ro:
http://www.blvkh3ro.com
http://www.deliciousvinylisland.com http://www.instagram.com/blvkh3ro
