Rocky Dawuni hails King Ayisoba for globalising Ghanaian traditional sounds

Four-time Grammy nominee Rocky Dawuni commended traditional music icon King Ayisoba for elevating Ghanaian sounds beyond local borders. Speaking on Joy Prime’s Prime Time with host George Quaye, Dawuni described Ayisoba as a trailblazer who remained true to his roots while opening doors for artists blending indigenous rhythms with contemporary styles.

Dawuni highlighted Ayisoba’s authenticity, energy and unapologetic promotion of northern Ghanaian culture, noting that the musician’s breakthrough in Europe and across Africa proved that Ghanaian traditional music can compete globally without losing its identity. “What King Ayisoba has done is remarkable. He took an instrument that many people looked down on, the Kologo, and made it a global instrument. He paved the way for many of us who believe in the power of our own indigenous sounds,” he said.

Both artists called for greater investment in preserving traditional sounds and urged more collaborations between traditional and modern musicians, emphasizing the importance of cultural exports for Ghana’s music scene.