Alpha Blondy, born Seydou Koné on January 1, 1953, in Dimbokro, Ivory Coast, is a renowned Ivorian reggae singer and songwriter. Raised by his grandmother in a culturally rich environment, he was the first son in a family of eight children. His early life was marked by his expulsion from high school due to his passion for music, which led him to form a band. This incident earned him the nickname "Blondy," a play on the word "bandit" in Jula-French.

In 1973, his parents sent him to Monrovia, Liberia, to study English. He later moved to New York City, where he attended Hunter College and the Columbia University American Language Program, initially aiming for a teaching career. During his time in New York, he was introduced to Rastafarianism and reggae music, attending concerts by artists like Burning Spear, which deepened his connection to music.

Returning to Ivory Coast, Alpha Blondy began his music career with the release of his debut album "Jah Glory" in 1982. The album was a significant success, with the track "Brigadier Sabari" highlighting police brutality, a bold move for a West African artist at the time. His music, characterized by a fusion of reggae and African rhythms, often addresses themes of peace, social justice, and African unity. He sings in multiple languages, including Dyula, French, English, Arabic, and Hebrew, to reach a broader audience.

Alpha Blondy has released several notable albums, such as "Cocody Rock," "Jerusalem," and "Masada," the latter being distributed in over 50 countries. He collaborated with The Wailers and incorporated African percussion and vocals into his reggae style. His work earned him a Grammy nomination for the album "Mercy."

Throughout his career, Alpha Blondy has been an advocate for peace and unity, using his platform to call for reconciliation in Ivory Coast during times of conflict. Despite controversies and personal challenges, including being a father to seven children, he remains a significant figure in the reggae music scene. His latest album, "Eternity," was released in 2022, and he continues to perform internationally. His estimated net worth is around 5 million USD.