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about
International musician, songwriter, producer and activist, Rocky Dawuni has released his new single “Shade Tree” worldwide on September 12, 2023. The single is the first from the 3x GRAMMY Nominated musician’s forthcoming new album set to drop in 2024. “Shade Tree” is a timely new global anthem of empowerment and unity from the Ghanaian star.
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.” Just like the leaves of the tree, we are not all of the same as we represent different textures, colors and shades but we all share the same roots. The song is from a perspective of a lonely soul, seeking connection and community which is found in various manifestations in everyday life where people gather, celebrate and find connection from isolation. 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.
lyrics
ROCKY DAWUNI “SHADE TREE” LYRICS
Oh let’s talk about it under the shade tree
Let’s check out the set up
That sets us apart
Oh let’s talk about it under the shade tree
If we could lift the vibration
Turn the hatred into empathy
Oh let’s talk about it under the shade tree
We might be playing in the same game
We are one but we are not the same
Yeah yeah yeah yeah
Realization is not a bag of shame
We are one but we are not the same
Mama ma ma
We are one but we are not the same
Know we are one but we are not the same
Generations come and go
I say I want to know who among them is a brother’s keeper
Oh we can talk about this under the shade tree
So many phases of disappointment
But I found my needed inspiration
Oh we can talk about this under the shade tree
In a space between pleasure and pain
We are one but we are not the same
Yeah yeah yeah yeah
We take the same shelter from the rain
We are one under the shade
Mama mama mama
Then you know we are one but we are not the same
Now you know we are one under one shade
credits
released September 12, 2023
Written by: Rocky Dawuni
Lead Vocals: Rocky Dawuni
Bass: John McKnight
Guitars: John McKnight
Backing Vocals: Rocky Dawuni
Produced by: Rocky Dawuni & Anthony Brewster
Engineers: Anthony Brewster & Michael Vail Blum
Mixed by: Qmillion
Mastering by: Chris Athens
This is the latest collaboration between the Haitian six-piece Chouk Bwa and the Belgian production duo, The Ångströmers. Bandcamp New & Notable Sep 8, 2023
