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Biography
Born the first of eight children Koné was raised by his grandmother and her peers until 1962 when he moved to join his father in Odienné, later joining the Côte d’Ivoire Students' Movement. During high school Koné formed a band before being sent to Monrovia, Liberia and later the U.S. to study English. After attending Hunter College and Columbia University, and meeting Rastafarians for the first time, Koné, influenced by Western acts including Deep Purple, Pink Floyd, Hendrix and Otis Redding, began playing music in Central Park and in local clubs.
Shortly after Koné was sent back to the Ivory Coast after being involved in a number of incidents due to his temper and outspoken activist stances. More of the same trouble followed the singer back in the Ivory Coast, which resulted in a week in prison and a stretch in a mental health asylum. After meeting up with old childhood friend Fulgence Kassi, a television producer, Koné landed a spot on the Premiere Chance talent show. The singer performed three original songs as well as Burning Spear’s “Christopher Columbus”, propelling Koné to success.
Alpha Blondy subsequently recorded an eight-track debut album “Jah Love” with producer G. Benson in one day. The album's success was aided by the single “Brigadier Sabari” which documents Koné’s near fatal run-in with a brutal Abidjan police attack. The single introduced the singer’s social consciousness and went on to discuss other controversial topics including poverty, African unity, Jerusalem and the Apartheid.
After the release the singer formed his 12-piece backing band Solar System and signed with EMI records. Blondy’s sophomore album “Cocody Rock” was released in 1984, followed two years later with “Jerusalem” issued by Tuff Gong. The singer’s fourth album “Revolution” (1987) cemented Koné’s worldwide appeal, and led to the successful subsequent releases “Masada” in 1992, “Yitzhak Rabin” in 1998, “Paris Percy” in 2001, and “Elphim” in 2002. The singer has since been named the United Nations Ambassador of Peace for Côte d’Ivoire and continues to tour in support of his music and peaceful message.
Live reviews
What is most amazing about this band and their live performance? They know how to gather the crowd, hype of their performance and give them a musical show that is completely unique.
What I immediately noticed at this show while I was in the crowd was how much the band is able to feed off the passion and commitment of their fans and channel that into their music. The energy is immediately apparent as well. The lights, the music and the crowd come together in a spectacular show of force. The gradual build up in their songs and the eventual smash when that big part comes is pretty great to experience first hand.
Not only is the music fun to listen to, but it is quite obvious that the band is having an amazingly fun time up on stage. Committed, yet casual, the band clearly takes the approach to have fun with the music they are creating. Because of this approach, the audience is able to join in on the fun and it creates the feeling that we are all here to share in this creation of music and good times. The different musical styles and instruments that are incorporated into the performance really sets this band apart from the crowd.
Reggae music may have originated on the warm shores of Jamaica however it is not confined to this balmy island. World musician Seydou Koné better known as Alpha Blondy is originally from the Ivory Coast although his authentic reggae sounds feel very Jamaican indeed.
He honours his homeland by performing a number of songs in his native language of Dioula as well as French and English through the night. It is the musicianship that unites the crowd and no matter what language you speak, you can appreciate the funky, laid back tones of this man's music. He has a great connection with the band gathered tonight and proudly introduces them one by one which of course evokes huge applause from the audience. He then explains that despite now being 60 years old, as long as the fans show willing to come and see him play live then he will continue to play live for them. This receives the biggest cheer so far before he closes on the balmy 'Peace in Liberia'.
sean-ward
Das Konzert im Volkshaus Zürich war ein absolut grandios aufgeführtes Spektakel.Geniale Bühnenperformance zeugte von der langjährigen Erfahrung in live Konzerten.Das Opening schon legendär mit großem Wiedererkennungseffekt.Hits wie Whole Lotta Love und Wish you were here begeisterte das Publikum.Kleine aber feine Location im Volkshaus war die perfekte Kulisse für ein gelungenes Konzert.
ro.zehnle
concert was cancelled I flew a thousand miles just to tell me it was cancelled 3 hours while I was in the air I would like refund on this ticket.
I would like to know why the NYC Sony Hall concert was cancelled and apology letter from Alpha blondy I am one his biggest fan I love all his music; his videos, shows.
thank you Rachel Longknife
San Carlos Apache Tribe
rachel-longknife
Alpha Blondy*he's the best reggae Music Peformer,after Bob Marley.
Also Mr blondy a prophet supernatural,with a Peace maker-Talent,I love Mr Alpha;to my Understanding,hes The greatest performer with a Excellent energy and A perfect example for l'humanity.
Cordially: Miss
Marie A Harley;
Dieu Diras le Rest.
marie.harley5583
I have the opportunity to be at Alpha Blondy concert a few year ago. That was one of the greatest reggae concert I have ever been too.and trust me I . been to a lot.looking forward to see him again.
ikalyn268
