Rocky Dawuni "Rise"
Link: https://ingrv.es/rise-cuh-1
‘Rise’ is a timely anthem for overcoming adversity and celebrating life's victories. Underpinned by powerful, uplifting lyrics, ‘Rise’ also doubles as a call to action emboldening communities across the black diaspora to imagine the endless possibilities available if they remain aligned in the mutual vision to achieve true liberation and freedom.
A commanding declaration of resilience and empowerment in an increasingly polarized world, throughout the track, Rocky fervently sings with conviction “Imagine what we could do if we organize? Imagine what we could do if we unify?”
Produced by FB Da Mastermind (Nicki Minaj, Ariana Grande) and Nabeyin Panford (Travis Scott, Kanye West, SZA, Drake), ‘Rise’ deftly and tastefully blends the vibrancy home to Afrobeat and highlife music with contemporary Hip-Hop undertones. All of which is further brought to life by Rocky’s impassioned vocal performance evoking an air of optimism and assuredness.
Speaking on the track’s meaning and purpose, Rocky said: “Rise represents to me a rhythmic call to arms to elevate the energy of hope. It is a song that embraces a diversity of sounds and cultures to forge a soundtrack for these turbulent times. My aim is to strike a deep chord that will instill a sense of connectedness in humanity.”
The single’s accompanying video was directed by Emmanuel and Samuel Appiah Gyan, who together are better known as acclaimed photography duo Twinsdntbeg. Known for their innovative and dynamic approach to visual storytelling, Twinsdntbeg bring their unique vision to the foray. Creating a compelling visual experience that complements the song's powerful message. Offering a rich tapestry of imagery that highlights the cultural heritage of Ghana, while optimizing the contemporary coolness of the new West African cultural renaissance.
The video was shot and filmed at the former Tuff Gong Africa in Ghana, founded by the iconic and beloved Rita Marley. Previously destroyed in a fire, the location is of special significance to Rocky as he is currently in the process of rebuilding and transforming the space into a global cultural incubator.
"Rise" Lyrics:
Yeah
One two one two one two we dey come live from here
I no get space to breathe
I’m suffocating with pain
I no dey follow the rules
I no sey you feel the same
My own eyes now dey see we only suffer to gain
I no dey lie, I no dey tell no lie
What a man do another man fit do
Yeah yeah yeah
What they bring you no sey we for no fear
No no no
Taking advantage everyday
Oh oh oh
Now dey see say we no go give them way
Imagine what we go do if we organize
Imagine what we could do if we unify
Oh Rise
Now you know the ting wey you for do
Stick yourself in place where you stand tall
Watch your feet and step where
You might go
You dey mark ooo
Dem no wan hear my speech
Dem no make ready for me
Dem fit to see my move then dem go see who I be
I choose to say what I mean
So all my people could see
I no go lie
I tell no lie lie lie
Now you know say we no go fit to loose
Yeah yeah yeah
Something wey we know say we for choose
No No No
Nothing go fit block us in our way
Oh oh oh
If we are taking each step everyday
Imagine what we go do if we organize
Imagine what we could do if we unify
Oh Rise
Now you know the ting wey you for do
Stick yourself in place where you stand tall
Watch your feet and step where
You might go
Where you will grow
Rise
Tomorrow no be promised not at all
The good things wey you give go follow you
The place wey you dey plant there you grow
You go grow ooo
I no get space to breathe
I’m suffocating with pain
I no dey follow the rules
I no sey you feel the same
I choose to say what I mean so all my people could see
I no go lie, I tell no lie lie lie
Oh Rise
Now you know the ting wey you for do
Stick yourself in place where you stand tall
Watch your feet and step where
You might go
Dey might go
Rise
Tomorrow no be promised not at all
Good things you give go follow you
The place wey you dey plant there you grow oo
You go grow ooo
Credits:
Written by Rocky Dawuni
Rocky Dawuni Music / BMI
Produced by: Roahn Hylton / Edgar Nabeyin Panford
Additional Production by: Songs by Andre Samuel / Tevin Irvin Plaate
Additional Guitar: Yianni Giannakopoulos
Recorded at: Firstborn Productions Studio, Los Angeles, CA
Black City Studio, Ghana
Mixed by: Marshall Bryant
Mastering: Chris Athens
Label: AQUARIAN Records
Distribution: TGID/INGROOVES/VMG
Video Director: Twinsdntbeg
Creative Director: Emmanuel Appiah Gyan
Assistant Director: Kophi Graphix
First Assistant Director: Emmanuel Appiah Gyan
Producers: Twinsdntbeg
Executive Producers: Cary Sullivan, Rocky Dawuni