International musician, songwriter, producer and activist, Rocky Dawuni has released his new single "Shade Tree" 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.
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.
Rocky is a dedicated activist serving as a UN Goodwill Ambassador for the Environment for Africa, a UN Foundation Ambassador for the Clean Cooking Alliance and a Global Ambassador the World Day of African and Afro-Descendant Culture. 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, Anthony Brewster as well as renowned 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 vocal 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.
