Alpha Blondy
Alpha Blondy is an international recording reggae artist. He is multi-lingual, recording in English, French, Arabic, Hebrew, and his native language of Dioula. After growing up in the Ivory Coast, he moved to New York City, USA, to pursue his recording career. With influences like Otis Redding and Bob Marley, he recorded his solo debut, “Jah Glory,” in 1982 and then formed his own band, Solar System.
After signing to an EMI recording contract, Alpha Blondy and Solar System continued to release albums, while Blondy also made a pilgrimage to Jamaica to record with The Wailers, Bob Marley’s band. With song lyrics that have an activist and political focus, his multi-lingual songs reach around the world. He has also had a 2003 Grammy Award nomination for “Best Reggae Album.”