The video for Ghanaian singer Rocky Dawuni’s lead single, “African Thriller,” is everything you want from a solid reggae track: a cadre of female dancers a la Fela Kuti’s stage show; a boxing ring where said females both dance and throw punches; and Dawuni leading the action as both spectator and emcee. A longtime champion of the merging of African homegrown sounds and reggae music, he nails this connection with his Afrobeat-inspired track that pays homage to Kuti and the Rumble in the Jungle. Social message are no surprise in the now L.A.-based musician’s rich catalog: he’s worked with the UN, Unicef and Product (RED) as an ambassador for tourism and outreach in Ghana. A stellar live performer and consummate professional, this subdued, rootsy record—his sixth release in 19 years—focuses on the best of reggae-pop from the genre’s Golden Era, with plenty of socially conscious lyrics and rocksteady vibes. A beautiful, guitar-driven cover of “Get Up, Stand Up” highlights an 11-track gem of an album. (Cumbancha)
