Rocky Dawuni Tackles Wendy Shay Over Favouritism Claims Grammy Nominations

[Rocky Dawuni/Cumbancha]

Written by Pharis Kinyua 

Ghanaian reggae artist Rocky Dawuni has firmly established himself as an international sensation. The Grammy nomination he earned for his album "Voice of BunBon, Vol. 1" stands as a testament to his unwavering dedication and talent. However, while his achievement basks in the limelight, fellow Ghanaian singer Wendy Shay stirred the pot by suggesting that Grammy nominations aren't solely merit-based. Dawuni, unperturbed by these claims, firmly asserts that his success is a product of his relentless effort and musical prowess.

Wendy Shay raised eyebrows when she challenged Rocky Dawuni to provide insight into the path to a Grammy nomination. According to her, there is more to it than just submitting an application. In a tweet, she playfully urged, "Chairman @RockyDawuni Show us the Grammy way cos connection dey pass application." Wendy Shay's comments ignited a debate on the criteria for Grammy recognition, but Rocky Dawuni's response was one of conviction and integrity.

Dawuni, a musician who has been at the forefront of Ghana's reggae scene for years, believes that success is not handed on a silver platter, especially in the competitive world of music. He expressed his viewpoint during an interview with 3FM, where he said, "The thing is that if you're going to follow everybody's perspective, it will be something else. What if I wasn't nominated? Nobody would even say anything. But once you're nominated, everybody thinks they have a reason and they know how it happens. Listen to my music. That is truly hard work."

His statement highlights the fundamental belief that his Grammy nomination was a result of sheer hard work, not favoritism. In a world where artists constantly seek recognition, of his journey and exemplifies the value of unwavering dedication to one's craft.

His career trajectory proves that success in the music industry is attainable, but it demands more than just connections or shortcuts. His advice to aspiring artists is clear: "So if you are not going to do that hard work and you feel that there's going to be some backdoor deal that's going to happen for you, that's not really how the world works. It works for certain people, but that means that you have to sell who you are."

Having led a successful career as an independent artist, Rocky Dawuni's achievements are a testament to the resilience and determination he embodies. His album "Voice of BunBon, Vol. 1" earned him a place in the Best Global Music Album category at the Grammy Awards, competing against esteemed artists such as Angelique Kidjo, Femi Kuti, and Wizkid. This nomination marks his second Grammy nod, following his previous nomination for "Branches of the Same Tree" in 2016.

Dawuni's message is not just about his own success; it's a reminder to fellow artists that merit and diligence will ultimately pave the way to recognition and accolades. Success, he contends, is not an elusive mystery but a product of hard work and dedication. His story is an inspiration for artists worldwide, reaffirming that dreams are achievable through relentless effort.

His story serves as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that the pursuit of dreams, even in the face of skepticism, can lead to remarkable accomplishments. His Grammy nomination is not merely a result of favoritism or luck but a reflection of his unwavering commitment to his craft. It is a lesson for artists to stand by their passions and focus on the path of hard work and dedication, for that is where the true journey to success begins.