Four-time GRAMMY-nominated musician and global activist Rocky Dawuni will be a featured performer at CARIFESTA XV, specially invited to bring his signature Afro-Roots sound to the region’s premier festival of arts and culture.
Dawuni, who has previously performed in Trinidad, Jamaica, and Antigua, will be making his first-ever appearance in Barbados. “I am so excited to be back in the Caribbean but this is my first time in Barbados,” he said. “Barbados represents to me the closest to Africa and the symbolism of being here to share my music at this time is a blessing.”
A messenger of unity
For Dawuni, his presence at CARIFESTA XV is about more than music, it is about rekindling the deep historical and spiritual ties between Africa and the Caribbean. “At a time when there is a need for a cultural reconnection between the Caribbean and Africa, this year’s CARIFESTA is important to reaffirm the connection of our people,” he explained. “My presence here is to be the musical messenger to express the urgency of this spiritual reconnection and unity and as well as to celebrate a renewed commitment to this cause.”
His performance promises to be joyful, celebratory, and deeply symbolic.
“My performance will be joyful and celebratory and to let the Caribbean know that Africa awaits the unity of its children in this time! We are one people and our time to rise together is now!” Dawuni said.
Global star with Caribbean ties
Hailed as one of Africa’s Top 10 global stars by CNN, Dawuni’s music has long built bridges between Africa, the Caribbean, and the wider world. Influenced by the soulful beats of Fela Kuti and the uplifting messages of Bob Marley, his Afro-Roots sound has earned international acclaim and multiple GRAMMY nominations, including Best Reggae Album and Best Global Music Performance.
He has shared the stage with legends such as Stevie Wonder, Alpha Blondy, Angelique Kidjo, Kabaka Pyramid, Morgan Heritage, and John Legend, and his collaborations often spotlight the cultural synergy between Africa and the Caribbean. His recent projects, including “Afreeca the Future” with Morgan Heritage and “Africa Till I Die” with Ghanaian highlife artist Kyekyeku, reaffirm his dedication to Pan-Africanism and global unity.
A historic moment
Dawuni arrived in Barbados with a contingent of Ghanaian media, artists, musicians, and officials, underscoring the importance of this cultural exchange.
“We have bloggers and media folks from Ghana who are present here as well as a contingent of artists, musicians, and officials who are here to be part of this historic moment,” he said.
As a UN Goodwill Ambassador for the Environment for Africa and UN Foundation Ambassador for the Clean Cooking Alliance, Dawuni consistently uses his music and platform to highlight global issues, inspire youth, and advocate for unity. His performance at CARIFESTA XV at the Reggae Super Concert Friday, August 29 will not only celebrate the festival’s theme “Caribbean Roots. Global Excellence”, but also ignite new conversations about Africa and the Caribbean rising together. (PR)
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