Rocky Dawuni’s Independence Splash 2009 Lights Up LA!

[vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]WOW! What a historic night Thursday March 5, 2009 was in Los Angeles! Rocky Dawuni’s Independence Splash debut in America at Afro Funke’ was a tremendous success! Rocky Dawuni & The Revelation Project were in absolute rare form for the capacity crowd of revelers! Joining them on stage were special guests Leon Mobley (Ben Harper) who brought the house to a frenzy with his spirited drumming as well as Jazz legend, Ronnie Laws, who grabbed a saxophone to lend his talent to an unbelievable rendition of Rocky’s “Afro Roots Vibration.”

After 8 successful years in Ghana, West Africa the 9th annual “Rocky Dawuni’s Independence Splash” concert moved to Los Angeles on March 5, 2009 to commemorate the election of the first African American President to the United States, and its impact on social and political independence worldwide. Rocky Dawuni founded the Independence Splash concert in 2001 to celebrate his homeland of Ghana on their Independence Day as the first black African country to gain independence from colonial rule.

As one of the Africa’s most popular musicians, Dawuni has long championed social causes and inspired a generation of artists and fans alike. Rocky has served as a personality for Product (RED) led by U2’s front man Bono and Bobby Shriver supporting The Global Fund’s initiatives on HIV/ AIDs in Africa. His conscious music and electric live performances have attracted superstars such as Stevie Wonder and Peter Gabriel to join him on stage to tremendous response. Rocky is currently finishing his forthcoming 5th studio album, “Hymns for the Rebel Soul” to be released in late 2009. He is also slated to be seen and heard alongside Bono in the video and song remake of “War /No more Trouble” for Playing for Change to be released by Concord Music later this year. The African star will next be at House of Blues on March 22 before heading to Bali, Indonesia for a series of shows as part of the Balispirit Festival. Rocky is slated to headline “Grand Performances” at California Plaza on July 10th prior to a tour of Germany and Austria in July and August.

Independence Splash 2009 was presented by Africa LIVE!, a nonprofit organization that strives to restore, preserve and reinvigorate the live music scene in Ghana. Since its inception, Independence Splash has attracted thousands and has been broadcast to millions. Through Africa Live! Dawuni has also been organizing local Ghanaian musicians to focus on social issues including clean water and guinea worm eradication; working hand in hand with international organizations like UNICEF, European Union, Ghana Aids Commission as well as community leaders and politicians to find lasting and sustainable solutions to these pressing issues.

Thanks to all of the great sponsors who made this night possible including Africa LIVE!, Afro Funke’ Live, Livity Outernational, Sanni, Mami Afrika, Venga, Universal Rhythm and Fusicology. Thanks to Afro Funke’s own DJs Jeremy Sole & Glenn RED for their wonderful West African inspired sets and to Cary Sullivan for producing such an incredible event! Most of all, thanks to the wonderful people who filled the house Rocky Dawuni’s Independence Splash 2009 for one of the most amazing vibrations Afro Funke’ ‘ has ever reached!

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