Alpha Blondy

Alpha Blondy (born January 1, 1953) is an African reggae singer and international recording artist. Born Seydou Koné in Dimbokro, Ivory Coast Alpha Blondy sings mainly in his native language of Dioula, in French and English, and sometimes in Arabic or Hebrew. His lyrics convey strong political attitudes and a sense of humor. In particular, he coined the French term democrature (an English equivalent might be "democratatorship") to identify some A... more

Alpha Blondy (born January 1, 1953) is an African reggae singer and international recording artist. Born Seydou Koné in Dimbokro, Ivory Coast Alpha Blondy sings mainly in his native language of Dioula, in French and English, and sometimes in Arabic or Hebrew. His lyrics convey strong political attitudes and a sense of humor. In particular, he coined the French term democrature (an English equivalent might be "democratatorship") to identify some African governments. First son of a family of 19 children, Seydou Kone was raised by his grandmother, growing up in what he described as "among elders", which – later – was to have a big impact on his career. In 1962, Alpha Blondy went to join his father in Odienne, where he spent ten years, attending the Sainte Elisabeth high school, and getting involved in the Ivory Coast students movement. Here he formed a band. However, this hobby affected his schooling and Alpha Blondy was expelled due to poor attendance. His parents then sent him to study... less