Alpha Blondy — Summerjam Festival, 2017

Filmed live concert by Alpha Blondy at the Summerjam Festival in Cologne in 2017, captured by the landmark programme Rockpalast (WDR). Born Seydou Koné in 1953 in Dimbokro, Ivory Coast, Alpha Blondy is one of the major figures of African reggae. Since the mid-1980s he has delivered a committed afro-reggae, sung in English, French, Dioula, Arabic and Hebrew, where spirituality meets social critique. This full festival concert unfolds a rich repertoire: “Jerusalem”, “Cocody Rock”, “Peace in Liberia”, “Sweet Fana Diallo”, the cover of “Wish You Were Here” and “Brigadier Sabari”. Backed by his band, he delivers a live performance of pan-African energy, driven by a message of peace and African unity. Filmed on the German stage of Summerjam, one of Europe’s largest reggae gatherings, this performance illustrates the consistency of an artist who has become, over four decades, a classic of the genre. Year: 2017. This full-length live concert is available to watch online in high definition.