Rocky Dawuni set for Ford Theatres performance

The grand finale for the Ford Theatres Summer 2016 Season, will be AFRICA RISING, a one-night-only showcase of African contributions to global culture that highlight the multi-cultural renaissance of the African Diaspora within L.A.

The grand finale for theFord Theatres Summer 2016 Season, will be AFRICA RISING, a one-night-only showcase of African contributions to global culture that highlight the multi-cultural renaissance of the African Diaspora within L.A.

Presented by KCRW and Afro Funke’, AFRICA RISING will be a gathering of artists and groups involved in the promotion of Africa and sustainable development initiatives on the continent. Grammy-nominated and Ghanaian-born ROCKY DAWUNI brings his Afro Roots’ cross pollination of reggae, Afrobeat, highlife and soul, alongside very special guests for an evening of unique live collaborations.WONDEM, an Ethiopian influenced music ensemble led by L.A. native DEXTER STORY will be joined by Congolese-Belgian songstressMarie Daulne of world-renowned Afro pop group ZAP MAMA.

Critically-acclaimed, NAACP Image and SAG award-winning actor, producer, activist and author Isaiah Washington will host the event! Also on deck will be DJ GLENN RED, renowned for his La Junta and Afro Funke’ residencies, as well as DJ Jeremy Sole fromKCRW spinning their inspiring cross-cultural dance floor sets. Kara Mack and her “Africa in America” drummers & dancers from across the Diaspora will also perform alongside visual artists to round out the eclectic night. Plus 20% of proceeds go to the community-based, culturally diverse programs supported by the Ford Theatre Foundation.

AFRICA RISING is an all ages event and food and drink-laden picnics are encouraged for attendees to bring!