Rocky Dawuni’s Independence Splash 2008 Draws Crowds And Impacts Awareness In Ghana’s Northern Region

The city of Tamale and Ghana’s Northern Region were electrified on 6th March, 2008 when Ghanaian international music star Rocky Dawuni rolled into town for Rocky Dawuni’s Independence Splash 2008. Held at new 20,000-capacity Tamale Sports Stadium, thousands of fans were dazzled by Dawuni and his 10-piece band, ensuring the roots reggae musician a triumphant return to his ancestral home land of Northern Ghana. The 8th annual event also featured Northern Ghanaian stars Sheriff Gale, Abu Saadiq, Mama Rams and Sirina Issah. Independence Splash 2008 was organized by Dawuni’s Africa Live! NGO and assisted by the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly, with support from UNICEF and the European Union. The concert drew dignitaries including the Head of the European Union Delegation in Ghana - Filiberto Ceriani Sebregondi, UNICEF Ghana Country Representative - Dr. Yasmin Ali Haque, Northern Regional Minister - Honorable Alhaji Mustapha Ali Idris, Tamale Metropolitan Chief - Mohammed Amin Anta and IPA Director Dr. Sulley Gariba, amongst many others. Having worked extensively with UNICEF for the last two years, Dawuni, EU Ambassador and UNICEF Country Rep toured various villages including Tolon, Savelugu and Gbandu as part of his ongoing crusade to bring attention to safe drinking water, issues of child education and guinea worm eradication. Dawuni’s extensive trips throughout the Northern Region have helped shed light on these acute problems and spur practical and sustainable solutions reflective of his ongoing quest to use music as a tool for social development. This spectacular concert received tremendous support from all Northern Region sectors with many of Tamale’s hotels graciously hosting Rocky Dawuni and his entourage. All the radio stations in the Northern Region synched to one feed on the day of the show - playing his music and a recent interview as a show of their support. Dawuni was also a guest of honor of the Northern Regional Minister, Alhaji Mustapha Ali Idris for the Independence Day parade held at the Tamale Police Park. Rocky Dawuni’s Independence Splash 2008 was also supported by: Radio Savannah, Radio Justice, Diamond FM, North Star Radio, MKOGH, Elike Dezigns, Gariba Lodge, Antrak Air, AQUARIAN Records, Naturel Soap, Busy Internet, Pecorna Hotel and Bigiza Hotel.