This archive report was first published on 18 September 2019.
Published on September 18, 2019, Ivorian reggae legend Alpha Blondy is expected to arrive in Nairobi on Thursday 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 recounted his harrowing experience with the Abidjan police during a street raid.
His courage to address police brutality in the song put him in trouble with the authorities, but it also catapulted him to stardom.
Since then, Alpha Blondy has churned out numerous hit songs, including the iconic 'Jerusalem'.
Speaking ahead of his arrival from Ivory Coast, the 66-year-old musician expressed his excitement about returning to 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.
Alpha Blondy will perform on Sunday, the last day of the two-day event, alongside local acts Wyre and Redsan. The festival will also feature Zzero Sufuri of the Zimenishika fame, alongside Wamlambez hit-makers Sailors and Decimators on the first day.
Capital Commercial director Farida Idris promised a spectacular 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.'
