It may be a bit grayer and heavier than it was twenty-five years ago, but when you put Vision on you know: this is Alpha Blondy. And now that the Jamaicans mainly focus on playing ragga and reggaeton, the Ivorian nearly sixties is now actually the uncrowned king of roots reggae. The message of 'unity and love' is still conveyed in three languages on a bed of festively arranged reggae. One of
… the most remarkable songs is Vuvuzela in which Alpha Blondy uses this monotonous African horn (extremely popular during the World Cup in South Africa) as a metaphor for the male genitalia. 'Protect your vuvuzela / Don't let HIV take your life', he sings in a catchy song, the chorus of which immediately clings to your head. Social criticism wrapped in a light-hearted message: Alpha Blondy is still in excellent shape in 2011. (PdK)more
