This archive report was first published on 17 September 2019.
Reggae music fans in Nairobi are in for a treat as Ivorian legend Alpha Blondy is set to headline the 27th edition of Koroga Festival next weekend at the Two Rivers Mall Grounds.
Blondy, whose real name is Seydou Kone, rose to fame in the 1980s with his hit song 'Operation Coup Poing (Brigadier Sabari)', which told the story of his run-in with the Abidjan police in 1983.
Published on September 17, 2019, the song was a powerful account of police brutality in Ivory Coast, which was rampant at the time.
Blondy's courage to address the injustices in his music put him in trouble with the police, but it also catapulted him to fame.
Since then, he has released numerous hit songs, including 'Jerusalem', which has become an anthem for many.
Speaking ahead of his arrival in Nairobi, Blondy expressed his excitement to be performing in Kenya after many years.
'I'm excited to be performing in Nairobi after a long break. It feels good to be back to this beautiful country in the motherland Africa,' he said.
Blondy will perform on Sunday, the last day of the two-day event, which will also feature local acts Wyre and Redsan.
On day one, the star attractions will be Zzero Sufuri of the Zimenishika fame alongside Wamlambez hit-makers Sailors and Decimators.
Capital Commercial director Farida Idris promised a one-of-a-kind show, saying, 'Everything has been put in place by the Koroga Festival team to ensure our fans have a great experience as is the custom of all our events.'
