Rocky Dawuni Misses Out on Grammy Again, Marking His Fourth Loss

Despite his strong belief that this year would be the one where he would secure his first Grammy, renowned Ghanaian reggae musician Rocky Dawuni once again left the prestigious event empty-handed. On Sunday, February 2, 2025, at the Grammy Awards ceremony held at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, Dawuni’s hopes for a win were dashed when his song Rise lost out in the Best Global Music Performance category.

Dawuni had been nominated for the award for the fourth time in his career, and there was great anticipation surrounding this nomination, especially considering his growing international recognition. His uplifting single Rise, which he hoped would be his breakthrough, was a track that resonated with many, earning praise for its powerful message and musicality. The stakes were particularly high for both Dawuni and his home country, Ghana, which has yet to win a Grammy.

In the end, it was Bemba Colora, a collaboration by Sheila E. featuring Gloria Estefan and Mimy Succar, that took home the award in the category. The result marked a fourth consecutive Grammy loss for Dawuni, who has previously been nominated in 2015, 2021, and 2023, yet has not been able to claim the coveted statue.

The competition this year was fierce, with notable names like Angélique Kidjo, Arooj Aftab, Jacob Collier featuring Anoushka Shankar & Varijashree Venugopal, Masa Takumi featuring Ron Korb, Noshir Mody & Dale Edward Chung, and Sheila E. all vying for the title. However, it was Sheila E.’s track that ultimately took home the Grammy, leaving Dawuni to reflect on what might have been.

Throughout the process leading up to the event, Dawuni had expressed immense confidence that this time would be different. In an interview with Graphic Showbiz in November 2024, after receiving his fourth nomination, the artist confidently stated, “I’m 100% sure I will win my first Grammy next year. Weighing my chances on a scale of 1-10, I believe it is 10. I’ve worked very hard over the years and my consistency will pay off. I’m extremely confident.” He emphasized the effort and dedication that he has poured into his career, fully expecting this would be the year when his hard work would be recognized with the prestigious award.

However, Dawuni also approached the situation with a sense of humility, acknowledging that in the unpredictable world of music awards, outcomes could be different from expectations. While his confidence was clear, he tempered it by adopting a “never say never” mentality, a stance that showed his resilience in the face of potential disappointment. Unfortunately, despite his determination and optimism, the outcome was not as he had hoped.

Though his Grammy loss marks a setback, the fact that Dawuni has received multiple nominations over the years demonstrates his growing global presence and impact. For a musician from Ghana to receive such recognition at the Grammy Awards is an achievement in itself, even if the win remains elusive. As a prominent figure in the reggae scene, Dawuni’s music continues to resonate internationally, earning him a dedicated fan base and widespread acclaim.

Dawuni’s story serves as a testament to perseverance and the importance of continued dedication, even in the face of setbacks. While this year’s loss may have been disappointing for both him and his fans, it will likely serve as motivation for future projects. His journey toward a Grammy win is far from over, and his influence as a Ghanaian artist on the global stage remains undeniable.

For now, Ghana’s hopes of winning a Grammy remain unfulfilled, but the continued recognition of its artists like Rocky Dawuni ensures that the nation’s music scene is firmly on the international map. Whether this loss fuels Dawuni’s determination or encourages new artists to follow in his footsteps, the legacy of his Grammy journey will likely inspire future generations of musicians striving for success on the world stage.