We could all use some good vibes right about now. With so many people at odds we need to stick together as artists because to be honest we are the wisest of all. We evolved to connect with one another regardless of race or culture. We put the art, and in our case more so the music, first above all. The rest of the world especially big corporations, Wall Street traders, politicians and world “leaders” should take serious note from the way we Global Bassers behave.
Sure we have our jealousies and downfalls but in the end it’s always about the music and never about the race or culture.
Reggae provides the vibes that speak this truth perhaps above all other genres. Peter Tosh is guilty of writing some violent tunes as well as the great Jimmy Cliff but they were more about expressing the hard times they were facing when they wrote their songs. But most Reggae artists focus their attention to love and understanding for one another. And right now we could use some of those good vibrations.
First we visit African Thriller by Rocky Dawuni, his first single from his upcoming album Branches of the Same Tree. This album will come out early in 2015, which I will gladly revisit when the time comes.
For now we have African Thriller which embodies Rocky Dawuni’s unique “Afro-Roots” sound, a funky blend of soul, pop, Afrobeat and reggae grooves that have made him a household name in his native Ghana and earned him a wide following across the globe. Jeremy Sole, a DJ, producer and host on the taste-defining Los Angeles radio station KCRW, remixed the single version of “African Thriller”. Sole has previously remixed tracks for Femi Kuti, David Bowie, Thievery Corporation, and Quantic, among others.
A musician and fellow humanitarian, Rocky is a kindred spirit to me and to many others in the world of non-pop music. He has made his serious rounds receiving praise from such names as CNN as well as performing in important venues and festivals. Rocky is unstoppable and for this I, among many others, am grateful.
Music and humanitarian activism go hand in hand and honestly I believe to be quite efficient. When we have a message to send out to the world people will listen to it through the music they love. From this love, knowledge and respect come to the listener. This is the goal of such artist like Rocky Dawuni who works hard with charities and organizations like UNICEF.
Branches of the Same Tree is Rocky Dawuni’s sixth album to date and is currently in its final stages. Expect a video very soon and more singles to sneak out so we can get more hyped for its release.
Today I have a remix of his song African Thriller by Jeremy Sole from Cumancha.