Rocky Dawuni explains why he recorded a video in Brazil: ‘Opportunity to enrich myself culturally’

With three nominations for Grammythe Ghanaian singer, songwriter and producer Rocky Dawuni released the music video for “Shade Tree,” which was recorded in Salvador, Bahia, in September 2023. Now, he explained to Rolling Stone Brazil the reason for bringing the clip (directed by Emma Ribeiro and produced by Accesses Producer) for Brazil, as well as some behind-the-scenes details.

It is worth highlighting how the song in question is part of the next studio album by Dawuni, which is scheduled for release in 2024. Furthermore, the artist also commented on his relationship with Brazil and artists from the country that he likes. Read below:

Why did you choose Brazil to film the video?
Salvador, Bahia, was the perfect setting for the music video “Shade Tree“, because the city grew from the presence of all the Africans brought here, who met and created this incredible nucleus of Afro-descendant culture, a modern “cultural shadow foot” that connects Africa to the African Diaspora and the rest of the world The video was directed by the Brazilian director Emma Ribeiro and produced by Accesses Producer. The reason I worked with Emma It’s because, for me, she represents one of the most promising and innovative female directors emerging from Brazil today. Furthermore, as she is a resident of Salvador, her cinematic vision and perspective have been invaluable assets in projecting the global vision of music.

What is your relationship with Brazil?
I always wanted to go to Brazil, because I love Brazilian music, including Carlinhos Brown, Your Jorge and many others. I also admire many Brazilian writers, like Paulo Coelho. Furthermore, when it comes to football, Brazil is the epicenter!

How do you see social and racial issues in Brazil?
I see Brazil as a very sophisticated culture, formed by such diverse roots, but for me, this provides me with an opportunity to enrich myself culturally. Like many places, I understand there are a lot of issues related to race and class there. Coming from Ghana, we didn’t grow up with racism, but we grew up with classism. However, after traveling across the United States, Europe, Australia, and elsewhere, I am very aware of racism as well as classism on a global scale. I am always a learner and I am open to spending more time in Brazil and learning more.