Reggae icon Alpha Blondy comes alive in Colombo
View(s):By Sanath Weerasuriya
Reggae fans in Sri Lanka are in for a historic treat as legendary Ivorian reggae icon Alpha Blondy (real name Seydou Koné) is set to perform live in Colombo on July 19, 2025, at the Air Force Grounds (Riffle Green Grounds) atarting at 6.00pm.
‘Alpha Blondy Live in Sri Lanka’ organised by Big Blast Events, in collaboration with EarGear Productions and YES101 and the concert is backed by Cinnamon Grand Colombo as the official hospitality partner.
Known for his electrifying performances and global message of unity and peace, Alpha Blondy is one of the most influential reggae artists of our time. Hailing from Côte d’Ivoire, Blondy has captivated audiences across continents with powerful anthems such as ‘Jerusalem’, ‘Cocody Rock’, and’ Brigadier Sabari’. He will be accompanied by his iconic band, Solar System, bringing with them decades of musical excellence and an unforgettable live energy.
‘The Solar System’, his iconic band since 1980, a powerhouse ensemble of the international musicians, will musically back the legendary singer Alpha Blondy on stage in Sri Lanka. ‘The Solar System’ an essential part of Blondy’s legendary sound, combining the deep grooves of classic reggae with vibrant rhythms of Africa, Caribbean percussion and soulful melodies will be onstage with Alpha. Together Alpha and ‘The Solar System’ have rocked crowds at major international festivals from Paris to New York to Abidjan in Côte d’Ivoire and all over Africa, Caribbean and to Singapore to Melbourne.
Seydou Koné, popularly known as Alpha Blondy, was born on January 1, 1953, in Dimbokro, Ivory Coast (Côte d’Ivoire). A global reggae icon, Alpha Blondy is celebrated for blending traditional reggae with African rhythms and singing in multiple languages- including English, French, Baoulé, Dioula and more—allowing his music to resonate with audiences around the world. With deep roots in West Africa and strong inspiration from Jamaica, his sound carries powerful messages of peace, unity, and love, touching millions of hearts across the globe.
Blondy recorded his first solo album, ‘Jah Glory’, in 1982. He quickly rose to stardom in Abidjan with his uniquely African twist on reggae, earning him the title ‘The Bob Marley of Africa’ among fans.
The event also saw enthusiastic support from local artists. Rohitha Jayalath of ‘Jaya Sri’, who has previously opened for Alpha Blondy in Europe, called the concert a ‘blessing’ for Sri Lanka’s music scene and a potential tourism booster. Celebrated vocalist Umara Sinhawansa echoed the sentiment, calling the event a dream come true and a sign of bigger things ahead for the country’s live music industry.
The official ticket launch and the media briefing for the concert was held on May 20, 2025, at Atrium, Cinnamon Grand Colombo, with the participation of the main organisers, event partners and renowned Sri Lankan artistes including Wayo, Jaya Sri Brothers (Rohitha Jayalath and Rohan Jayalath) and Umara Sinhawansa. The event also saw representation from leading television, radio, print, and digital media platforms. The head table featured Vinod Melpitiya (Director, Eargear Productions), Asitha Perera (Director, Big Blast Events), Kamal Munasinghe (Vice President, Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts) and Buddhi Wickramanayake (Chief Operating Officer, MBC Network Pvt Ltd.
‘This is just the beginning. We’re thrilled to bring Alpha Blondy and his band The Solar System to Colombo. There’s a huge reggae following here, and this concert will set the tone for many more to come. Alpha Blondy Live in Sri Lanka’ offering premium experiences, VIP zones, cocktail bars and over eight food and beverage stalls for all ticket tiers’ said Vinod Melpitiya, Director of EarGear Production.
Tickets are priced at VIP – LKR 20,000/-, General 1 Rs. 12,500/- and General 2 – Rs. 7,500/-now on sale at MyTickets.lk:
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