Ghanaian reggae singer and three-time Grammy nominee Rocky Dawuni has described receiving a diplomatic passport from the government of Ghana as an unexpected but deeply moving honour.
During an interview with Kwame Dadzie and Doreen Avio on Hitz FM, Dawuni recounted the moment his name was called during the presentation, admitting that he was caught off guard by the recognition.
“When they mentioned my name, I was like What’s going on? I was very surprised, but at the same time, I was very honoured. It was a moment of…I never did my work for the sake of accolades,” he said. “I have always believed that if your music or what you do is a calling…it’s God’s gift, the gratitude is your ability to do it on the highest level. Everything that comes as a relation to that is an add-on. It’s an honour, it’s a blessing.”
Dawuni, whose sound fuses reggae, Afrobeat and traditional Ghanaian rhythms, noted that his work has always gone beyond the pursuit of awards. For him, music has been a tool to uplift his homeland and showcase African culture to the world.
“I was filled with gratitude that here I am, a child of Ghana who has always believed that my talent should be used to elevate my country, my continent, and my people…and I had the foreign minister bestowing upon me the opportunity and ability to even facilitate my work and as a cultural persona that represent my country officially,” he explained.
The diplomatic passport, a privilege generally reserved for government envoys and top officials, was issued to Dawuni in recognition of his global role as a cultural ambassador. His international career includes appearances at major festivals, environmental advocacy, and collaborations with organisations such as the United Nations.
According to Dawuni, the government’s recognition gives official backing to a responsibility he has carried for years, projecting Ghana’s identity and artistry on the world stage.
“I have been doing this myself for a long time, so I was excited, happy and grateful,” he added.
Watch his statement below.
