OUT NOW: Rocky Dawuni – Shade Tree (Official Video)

Global music star, Rocky Dawuni has just released a gorgeous new video for his recently released single “Shade Tree.” The video, filmed in Salvador, Bahia in Brazil is a picturesque feast of culture, lifestyle and the soulful diversity of its people. The track is from the 3x GRAMMY nominated musician’s forthcoming album which is due to be released in 2024. “Shade Tree” is a timely new global anthem of empowerment and unity.

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Salvador, Bahia is the perfect setting for the video for the song “Shade Tree” as the city itself grew from all of the Africans who were brought there and found each other, creating this incredible nucleus of afro descendent culture – a modern day “cultural shade tree” that is the “roots” connecting Africa to the African Diaspora and to the rest of the globe. The video was directed by Brazilian director Ema Ribeiro and produced by Acesssos Produtora. “The reason why I worked with Ema is because for me she represents one of the fast rising, cutting edge female directors coming out of Brazil today. Also since she is a resident of Salvador, her cinematic vision and perspective was an invaluable asset to projecting the global vision of the song.”

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. Under the tree we are a community in our individuality. As the lyrics say “we are one, but we are not the same. We are one under one shade.” 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. Rocky is a dedicated activist serving as a UN Goodwill Ambassador for the Environment for Africa, amongst other designations and his own Rocky Dawuni Foundation. At the recent United Nations General Assembly in New York City, the Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley quoted Rocky’s lyrics from his song “Walls Tumblin Down” as the basis for her passionate address to world leaders on the UN floor which goes to show the power of art to stir grand conversations about the socio-political direction of the world.