Rocky Dawuni Hails Santa Davis

By Esther Korantemaa Offei

Legendary Ghanaian reggae artist Rocky Dawuni has paid glowing tribute to veteran Jamaican drummer Santa Davis, describing him as a timeless force in global reggae and a living symbol of music’s spiritual power.

Speaking in an interview on ZED FM’s What Dey Happen Show, Dawuni highlighted Davis’s immense contribution to reggae history, particularly his work with icons such as Peter Tosh and Bob Marley.

“Santa Davis is a legendary drummer. He was actually Peter Tosh’s drummer, so a lot of the top Peter Tosh records featured him,” Dawuni said. “Bob Marley also used him extensively in the studio. Even on Coming in from the Cold, that’s him on the drums.”

Dawuni revealed that his relationship with Davis spans several years and continents, noting their collaborations both in Jamaica and the United States. According to him, Davis remains one of the most sought-after drummers in reggae and currently tours with Ziggy Marley.

“I’ve known Santa for years. We even worked on a track with Peter Tosh’s former band for a project that also featured Bob Marley’s granddaughter,” he said. “When I was recording this recent session, I just called him up—and he came in immediately. Santa doesn’t waste time. He just sits down, plays, and gives you that ‘Santa effect.’”

Despite being in his 70s, Dawuni said Davis continues to tour actively and perform at a high level, attributing his longevity to a lifelong dedication to music.

“He’s still touring, still sharp, still full of energy,” Dawuni noted. “Music is a divine gift. It’s like a muscle, if you don’t use it, you lose it. But when you keep playing, it keeps you young. It becomes your life force.”

Beyond celebrating Davis, Dawuni used the platform to reflect on the deeper meaning of music, describing it as an essential and spiritual element of human existence.

“Our whole body is a music machine,” he explained. “Your heartbeat is music, your breathing is music. Even nature, the wind, the trees, everything produces sound. We are surrounded by rhythm and patterns everywhere.”

He added that music serves as an emotional outlet and a bridge to spiritual awareness.

“If you don’t practice music, you block emotions and lose that connection,” Dawuni said. “Music brings happiness, but you must develop that happiness within yourself to share it with others. Without music, the world would be empty.”

Dawuni concluded by urging musicians and audiences alike to treat music with reverence.

“It’s one of the greatest tools we have to experience life and connect with God,” he said. “That’s why it must always be respected as something sacred.”