ROCKY DAWUNI - HYMNS FOR THE REBEL SOUL

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HYMNS FOR THE REBEL SOUL


TRACKLIST


1. Download The Revolution 4:41
2. African Reggae Fever 4:29
3. Extraordinary Woman 5:03
4. Walls Tumblin Down 4:32
5. Master Plan 4:45
6. Road to Destiny 5:10
7. Freefall 4:14
8. Jerusalem 4:39
9. Walk the Talk 4:54
10. Heads Up High 3:54
11. Take it Slow (love love love) 4:11


Record Label: Aquarian Records
DATE RELEASE 2010

Rocky Dawuni - Hymns For The Rebel Soul
"Afro Roots Music 4 Global Consciousness" states the inner cover of this CD, and I suppose that's about as good a description as you're likely to find for its tasty blending of roots reggae with African tradition, pop, soul and hip hop. Rocky Dawuni is from Ghana but Hymns for the Rebel Soul was recorded mainly in Los Angeles (plus one track in his homeland, one in Israel and one in Finland, which I guess partially accounts for the "global" portion of that opening quote), and his voice and overall sound remind me at times of the reggae side of late Nigerian great Sonny Okosun. Dawuni doesn't come across quite like anyone else, though. The way the opening "Download the Revolution" hits your ears in conscious, topical and humorous style all at once is proof of that, and it's not the only track here that'll get deep into you. "Extraordinary Woman" is just the sort of song that reggae-shy radio programmers ought to get an earful of, "Master Plan" churns like a less caustic take on Afrobeat, "Freefall" and "Heads Up High" pit Dawuni's impressive falsetto against stinging, swinging arrangements to the benefit of all, and the absolutely gorgeous "Jerusalem" blends reggae riddim, Hebrew modality and unifying lyrics that add up to a piece of music every bit as anthemic as the Alpha Blondy song of the same name. The year is still young, but Hymns for the Rebel Soul already looks likely to take the prize for 2010's high point in African reggae. Get it without hesitation. -Tom Orr
Aquarian Records

ROCKY DAWUNI - CRUSADE

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CRUSADE


1. Inside Your Head
2. Sweet Bright Day
3. Crusade
4. Sufferer
5. My Love
6. In Ghana
7. Conqueror
8. This Is Reggae
9. Jah Be for Us
10. Tale of Two Stories
11. Jammin Nation


Audio CD (June 9, 1998)
Original Release Date: May 5, 1998
Number of Discs: 1
Label: Who Dun It

Reggae's influence and its artists aren't confined or indigenous to Jamaica. Ghanian, Rocky Dawuni, is yet another sterling exception. Touted as the Bob Marley of Ghana, Dawuni debuts in 1996 with the critically acclaimed The Movement, on Mesa/Bluemoon Records. A video of "What Goes Around" got considerable play across the States, climbing to #3 on the Reggae Video Chart, January 1997. A 1998 release, Crusade, on Aquarian/Who Dun It Records, features Dawuni's immense writing, arranging, and producing skills on every track. The first single "In Ghana," triggered by a well-done video, has achieved international play on both radio and television. Dawuni describes the song as a celebration of 40 years of Independence enjoyed by Ghana