Rocky Dawuni and Buika Kick Off Grand Performances World Music Weekend in Los Angeles

Afro-Spanish sensation Buika and rising Ghanaian star Rocky Dawuni will perform at Grand Performances World Music Weekend in Los Angeles. On Friday, July 10th at 8 PM, Ghanaian reggae musician Rocky Dawuni brings his global, pop inflected sounds to Grand Performances’ Watercourt Stage. The evening begins with MC Raï’s Arab electronica infused raï music and explodes with Dawuni’s megawatt world reggae.

Saturday, July 11th at 8 PM brings a lineup that features the jazz, bolero, funk style of Spanish (of Equatorial Guinean descent) singing sensation Buika. Her sensual, husky-voice and eclectic stage presence makes her a must-see performer. Bluesy alternative Mexican folkster Perla Batalla will also perform a set featuring traditional Mexican mestiza music fused with contemporary styles.

July 10th marks Rocky’s first appearance in the U.S. since his smash visit to the Balispirit Festival and Hard Rock Hotel Bali in Indonesia and he will head to Europe to tour Germany, Austria and France immediately following the Grand Performances’ shows.

Rocky just finished his 5th studio recording titled “Hymns for the Rebel Soul” which is currently set for release in late 2009. The album’s lead track, “Download the Revolution,” has already been licensed by video game giant EA for their FIFA 2010 video game. Dawuni also has two tracks on the Top 20 “Playing for Change: Songs Around the World”
compilation, including a cover of “War” by Bob Marley which also features Bono and an international cast of musicians.

When not playing on some of the world’s largest festival stages, Rocky is involved with UNICEF, Product (RED), The Carter Center and The Global Fund and other pro-active humanitarian, social and environmental organizations- in his belief and commitment to create positive and sustainable change. Converse (RED) just released his custom designed shoe – dubbed “Wheels of Change” – as part of the Converse “1Hundred Series” with proceeds supporting the UN Global Funds effort to provide antiretroviral medication for people suffering from HIV / AIDS in Africa.

Buy Rocky Dawuni’s recordings:

• Book of Changes

Buy Buika’s recordings:

• In North America: Niña de Fuego, Mi Niña Lola, Buika and Mestizuo
• In Spain: Niña de Fuego, Mi Niña Lola

Grand Performances
California Plaza
300-350 S. Grand Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90071
213.687.2159
www.grandperformances.org