Ghana: Rocky Dawuni shares video for Shade Tree single

The video, filmed in Salvador in Bahia, Brazil, was directed by Brazilian director Ema Ribeiro and produced by Acessos Produtora. It unfolds as a picturesque feast of culture, lifestyle and the soulful diversity of its people.
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According to a press release, Bahia was the perfect setting for the video, as the city itself grew from all of the Africans who were taken there and found each other, creating this incredible nucleus of Afro-descendent culture.

“The reason I worked with Ema is because, for me, she represents one of the fast-rising, cutting-edge female directors coming out of Brazil today,” Produtora said. “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.”

Rocky Dawuni’s Afro-roots music style, blends roots reggae with everything from Afrobeat, highlife, soul and pop.

‘Shade Tree’ is from the three-time Grammy-nominated musician’s forthcoming album which is due to be released in 2024. It is based on the concept of the tree that provides shade for all of the various “shades” of humanity – a convergence point and an oasis for all people.

“The shade tree is where conflicts and disagreements can be resolved – it provides ‘shelter from the rain’ which is shared amongst everyone,” a statement said. “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.”