Rocky Dawuni - Voice of Bunbon, Vol. 1 '2020

Tracks list

In a time of uncertainty, we need songs and hymns that can touch our emotional
nerve and remind us that love and hope are an indestructible aspect of the human
experience that no amount of fear can take away.” (Rocky Dawuni)
A mere 20 months after his fine Beats Of Zion album, Rocky Dawuni is back with
an EP entitled Voice of Bunbon - and the Vol. 1 suggests that we can look
forward to a second part as well! Bunbon, a tiny town in the dry regions of
Ghanas far North, is the birth place of the singer, musician and social activist
who was brought up with the traditions and culture of the local royal family.
This upbringing and his strong connection to his home country is reflected in
the eight tracks included, tracks that speak of current events (Ghost Town),
love (My Baby), empowerment (Beautiful People), faith (Difference), hope (Born
To Win) and the little joys of life (Gonna Take It Easy).
A host of instrumentalists made sure that Rockys ideas were faithfully
translated into music (among them John McKnight, Anthony Brewster, Andre Morris,
Ed Dixon, Akablay Anthony, Tony Chin and Prince Annan), resultig in an
authenticity that caresses our ears. My Baby, for example, includes skilfully
played percussions and guitars that transport us to the Highlife traditions of
West Africa. Sung with the local flavour of Ghanaian Pidgin English, the love
song is an instant favourite of mine (being a fervent proponent of linguistic
diversity). If I no get money, would you still love me oh? - no way you can
evade this charme!
Naturally, the subsequent track will make the hearts od world music lovers beat
faster as well. In a style that bears proof of the roots of Jamaican Mento,
Woara sings about... well, I cant tell you what exactly, but the infectious
melody invites hum-along all the same. 
The Corona-inspired Ghost Town is a calm, acoustic piece that describes the
dramatic effects of the global lockdown on a local scale, resulting in empty
streets and a disquieting fear, a fear that the singer promises us to disappear.

With Gonna Take It Easy, Reggae enters the picture, clad in a beautiful Roots
robe. The song talks about the daily grind of work and the relieving feeling of
an evening or a weekend of rest. The ride is continued with Beautiful People, an
uplifting livication to us in which Rocky explores his full vocal range. Leaning
more towards Pop, Born To Win convinces us that which way your life will turn is
always up to you. 
Modern programming was part of the production process as well, however, and can
be heard on tracks such as Hustlers (which tells an autobiographic tale) or
Difference. The latter plays with Afrobeats elements and is made extraordinary
not only by the lyrics, which are among the most touching of the EP, but also by
the amazing transition at 00:50. We cannot go wrong if we cherish what will make
us strong. 
The Voice Of Bunbon has spoken! Those who like Rocky Dawunis former works will
love this EP - it adds a new flavour to the artists output without losing his
characteristic style. Well done, Team Rocky! 



Tracklist:
1 01. Rocky Dawuni - Difference (02:57)
1 02. Rocky Dawuni - My Baby (03:13)
1 03. Rocky Dawuni - Woara (03:59)
1 04. Rocky Dawuni - Ghost Town (03:52)
1 05. Rocky Dawuni - Gonna Take It Easy (05:53)
1 06. Rocky Dawuni - Beautiful People (03:29)
1 07. Rocky Dawuni - Born to Win (04:40)
1 08. Rocky Dawuni - Hustlers (03:35)

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