Ghanaian reggae legend and three-time Grammy nominee Rocky Dawuni says he was deeply humbled after being presented with a diplomatic passport by the government of Ghana, describing the recognition as both surprising and affirming.
Speaking in an interview with Kwame Dadzie and Doreen Avio on Hitz FM, Dawuni recalled the moment his name was announced during the ceremony, admitting he did not expect such an honour.
“When they mentioned my name, I was like What’s going on? I was very surprised, but at the same time, I was very honoured. It was a moment of…I never did my work for the sake of accolades,” Dawuni said. “I have always believed that if your music or what you do is a calling…it’s God’s gift, the gratitude is your ability to do it on the highest level. Everything that comes as a relation to that is an add-on. It’s an honour, it’s a blessing.”
The singer-songwriter, known for blending reggae with Afrobeat and traditional Ghanaian rhythms, emphasized that his career has always been rooted in a mission larger than personal recognition.
“I was filled with gratitude that here I am, a child of Ghana who has always believed that my talent should be used to elevate my country, my continent, and my people…and I had the foreign minister bestowing upon me the opportunity and ability to even facilitate my work and as a cultural persona that represent my country officially,” he explained.
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The diplomatic passport, typically reserved for government officials and envoys, was granted to Dawuni in recognition of his role as a cultural ambassador for Ghana on the global stage. Over the years, Dawuni has performed at international festivals, advocated for environmental sustainability, and partnered with global institutions such as the United Nations on development initiatives.
The government’s gesture, in Dawuni’s view, formalizes a role he has long embraced informally, carrying Ghana’s name and artistry abroad.
“I have been doing this myself for a long time, so I was excited, happy and grateful,” he said.
Watch the interview below.
