Branches of the Same Tree

Editors’ Notes

One of the biggest stars in Africa, Ghana-born singer Rocky Dawuni plays a socially conscious and rootsy brand of reggae that uses late-era Bob Marley as a template. On his sixth album, Dawuni even records Marley’s “Butterfly”—a song that originally never made it past the demo stage—turning it into a polished gem. He also covers Peter Tosh’s classic “Get Up Stand Up,” putting an Afrobeat spin on it with lyrics sung with a Ghanian patois. Strong Dawuni originals include the modern reggae pop of “African Thriller” and the uplifting “Shine a Light.” Ziggy Marley, Steel Pulse, Michael Franti, and Ben Harper make guest appearances.