By Kofi Adu Domfeh
Rocky Dawuni, Ghanaian afro-roots artist and environmental activist, has been designated a UN Goodwill Ambassador for the African region to help drive the messages and goals of the UN Environment.
The Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter performed at an electrifying concert to end the 2018 Global Landscapes Forum (GLF) at the UN Environment, Nairobi, Kenya, which highlighted opportunities for landscape restoration in Africa through community engagement.
Rocky has been lending his voice to amplify issues of poverty, environmental degradation, water and sanitation issues and women’s rights.
He is passionate about the environment and loves to inspire others to appreciate the importance of caring for the earth.
“I believe in music activism,” he told ClimateReporters. “Protecting the land is important to me because that is what gives us sustenance…People should step up their responsibility to protect, preserve and sustain the environment”.
As a Regional UN Goodwill Ambassador, Rocky is uniquely positioned to generate considerable support and publicity amongst his audience for UN Environment’s goals through engaging, organizing, and leading activities specifically targeted to his audience.
“Dawuni’s eloquence, cultural diplomacy and successful melding of music and activism have led him to become a passionate spokesperson for various global causes” said Erik Solheim, Executive Director of UN Environment. “We are delighted to share the stage with another Goodwill Ambassador, Suzanna Awiyo, who, like Rocky, is a passionate humanitarian and environmentalist”.
United Nations Goodwill Ambassadors volunteer their time, talent and passion to raise awareness of UN efforts to improve the lives of billions of people everywhere.
“There is so much positive energy in Africa and many opportunities to protect and restore the environment across the continent,” said Rocky. “And music is a powerful force that brings people together and inspires action. I want to work with communities and help them share their successes and encourage them to keep moving forward to make the future brighter for generations to come.”
He has a mission to create the space for a movement of artistes and other stakeholders to advocate for the environment.
“I want to start finding the musicians around the continent who are passionate about the environment and even those who are not passionate to understand their responsibility of leveraging their platform to help achieve the goal of planting 100million trees by 2030,” said Rocky.
Rocky’s infectious grooves and dance-inducing anthems have consistently excited fans across the globe. A galvanizing performer, Dawuni has shared the stage with Stevie Wonder, Peter Gabriel, Bono, Jason Mraz, Janelle Monae and John Legend, among many others.
Named one of Africa’s Top 10 global stars by CNN, he has showcased his talent at prestigious venues such as The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. and The Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles.
Rocky Dawuni joins an illustrious line-up of UN Environment Goodwill Ambassadors including Don Cheadle, Gisele Bundchen and Ellie Goulding.
