Monday Convocation | Rocky Dawuni

May 17, 2017

Ghanaian singer Rocky Dawuni capped off this year’s Convocation series.

“Let my whole light shine!” called Ghanaian singer Rocky Dawuni and “Let my whole light shine” was the full-throated response from the crowd, many of whom were in front of the stage. Grammy-nominated Afro roots singer Dawuni held a dance party in the theater on Monday, May 8 to close Cate’s Convocation series.

Alongside a combination of African and Western instruments ranging from an electric bass to his own talking drum, Dawuni put in a full set of original music. He was backed up by two female singers who also danced and shook the shakere. His music had most of the students on their feet, clapping, singing, and dancing to Dawuni’s beats. The back of the theater was also in on the action, led by Leo Clay, Wren Caditz, Mimi Power, and Aaron Adegbile, faculty kids who knew just what to do when they heard the music.

After the set, Cate students couldn’t stop talking about the great Convocation. “He had a good stage presence, noted Caden Cutter ‘18, one of the enthusiastic dancers. He added, “Lots of people were engaged.” Fellow dancer Jack Rehnborg ‘18 agreed enthusiastically: “Dawuni was the most polished musical performance I’ve heard at Cate.”

Addressing the students, Dawuni declared, “Music is the beautiful way that brings us all together. And you are the leaders of tomorrow.” Dawuni’s message about the strength of community ran through his work. His final tune, “This is Reggae” had the students singing again: “I have the power to change this world whenever I want.” Judging by the whole-hearted response, Cate students are ready to take on the challenge.