Alpha Blondy being welcomed by Kamal Munasinghe, Area Vice President of Cinnamon Colombo Hotels and General Manager of Cinnamon Grand Colombo.
African music icon and global reggae ambassador Alpha Blondy addressed the Sri Lankan media at Cinnamon Grand Colombo ahead of his debut concert, scheduled for July 19, 2025, at the Sri Lanka Air Force Grounds in Colombo. The press conference, hosted by Cinnamon Grand Colombo, marked a significant cultural moment as the official hospitality partner for the artist’s landmark visit.
Born Seydou Koné in Côte d’Ivoire, Alpha Blondy emerged on the international music scene in 1982 with the release of his album Jah Glory, featuring the influential single “Brigadier Sabari,” a powerful protest anthem against state-inflicted violence. Over the span of four decades, Blondy has released more than 20 studio albums, earning recognition as the “Bob Marley of Africa.” Renowned for his multilingual lyrics delivered in Dioula, French, English, Arabic, and Hebrew, his music carries enduring messages of peace, religious unity, and political neutrality. His work was globally recognized with a Grammy nomination in 2003 for the album Merci, followed by his appointment as UN Ambassador of Peace for Côte d’Ivoire in 2005, in acknowledgment of his contributions to national reconciliation.
During the media briefing, the Grammy-nominated artist expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome he received in Sri Lanka, noting the country’s natural beauty and the spirit of its people. “Sri Lanka is a beautiful country, and the people are very hospitable and friendly. I consider it my luck to be here,” he said. “Music is a universal language, so it is common to any country. I hope to communicate with Sri Lankans in that language in the next few days.”
The press conference was attended by representatives from Big Blast Events and EarGear Productions, the official organizers of the concert, along with senior leadership from Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts. Kamal Munasinghe, Area Vice President of Cinnamon Colombo Hotels and General Manager of Cinnamon Grand Colombo, shared his thoughts: “At Cinnamon Grand Colombo, we have a genuine passion for celebrating global artistry and cultural expression. Hosting Alpha Blondy at our property and welcoming him to Sri Lanka reflects our commitment to creating memorable, world-class experiences that connect people through culture.”
As the official hospitality partner, Cinnamon Grand Colombo is hosting Alpha Blondy and his entourage, providing a seamless and curated stay in the heart of the city. The property also serves as the exclusive catering partner at the concert venue, reinforcing its role in delivering exceptional hospitality experiences aligned with global standards.
Additionally, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts is extending its signature service by hosting Blondy and his family at several of its iconic resort properties across Sri Lanka, including the recently launched Kandy Myst by Cinnamon and Cinnamon Lodge Habarana. This journey offers the artist and his family the opportunity to explore Sri Lanka’s diverse landscapes and cultural heritage. All transport and ground logistics are being managed by Walkers Tours, the destination management company under the leisure arm of John Keells Holdings, ensuring a smooth and enriching travel experience.
Alpha Blondy’s visit is seen as more than a musical event; it represents a celebration of community, connection, and cultural resonance. The concert is poised to be a landmark moment in Sri Lanka’s entertainment landscape, further elevating the country’s position as an emerging destination for internationally acclaimed performances and global cultural events.
