Ghanaian music legend and four-time GRAMMY nominee Rocky Dawuni featured as a speaker at the 2nd Annual Future Forum on April 10— the closing event of GRAMMYs On The Hill 2025. The forum brought together artists, advocates, and thought leaders to discuss the future of music policy and creators’ rights.
Organized by the Recording Academy, GRAMMYs On The Hill is a three-day event (April 8–10) designed to unite music creators, industry professionals, and lawmakers to advocate for pro-music legislation and shape a thriving future for the music community.
At the forum, Dawuni passionately championed cultural unity and artists’ rights. “Music is a universal language that bridges cultures and inspires change,” he stated. “As creators, we must unite to protect our rights and ensure our voices shape policies that uplift communities—from Ghana to the global stage.”
With a career spanning decades, Dawuni is internationally recognized for his ‘Afro Roots’ sound, which fuses Reggae, Afrobeats, Highlife, and Soul. He continues to inspire a new generation of conscious musicians with music that uplifts and unites.
On April 8, Oral Ofori, founder of theafricandream.co and communications representative for the Ghana Embassy in Washington, D.C., attended the opening ceremony to support Dawuni. He was joined by Mr. Francis Gborglah, Acting Ambassador of Ghana to the U.S.
“Ghana is immensely proud of Rocky Dawuni’s global influence and advocacy for music creators,” said Mr. Gborglah. “His presence at GRAMMYs On The Hill reflects our commitment to cultural exchange and support for policies that empower artists worldwide.”
Over the years, Dawuni’s musical influence has reached audiences across Africa, the Caribbean, and the U.S. He has collaborated with global icons like Stevie Wonder, Peter Gabriel, Bono, Jason Mraz, Janelle Monáe, and John Legend.
His blend of music and activism has earned him recognition as a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador for Africa, with a focus on environmental advocacy. He also serves as the Global Ambassador for the World Day of African and Afro-descendant Culture, recognized by UNESCO.
Speaking with theafricandream.co after meeting with U.S. lawmakers on Capitol Hill, Dawuni shared concerns about digital-era challenges. “Africa’s rich cultural heritage is vulnerable to appropriation in the age of AI,” he warned. “Unchecked use of AI technology threatens the very essence of our identity and creativity.”
GRAMMYs On The Hill 2025 also honored notable figures, including seven-time GRAMMY-winning country star Randy Travis, Representative Linda Sánchez (D-CA), and Representative Ron Estes (R-KS), for their contributions to advancing music-friendly legislation.
During the event, artists and industry leaders met with lawmakers to discuss pressing issues such as AI protections, fair compensation, and support for live music venues. The week concluded with the District Advocate Day on April 10, where Recording Academy members held virtual meetings with Congressional offices to further the cause.
Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. described the event as a vital bridge between the music industry and policymakers. With past honorees like Alicia Keys and John Mayer, the legacy of GRAMMYs On The Hill continues to celebrate and amplify the voices that shape music’s future.