Alpha Blondy - Wattrelos

I spent 2 years in West Africa, mainly in Burkina Faso but also a few months in Côte d'Ivoire - another french speaking country which neighbours Burkina. While in Africa I was infected by their blend of afro-cuban-caribbean rhythmic music. I remember taking a 5 hour (if my memory's correct) bus journey from Ferkéssédougou to Abidjan where I  was treated to non-stop african music - to be honest enough was enough!
At the time I was learning Dioula, a language spoken throughout West Africa, including Burkina, Côte d'Ivoire, Mali and Ghana. Much of the music which wafted through the warm african air was sung in this language. It was in Africa that I came to appreciate the talent of the spiritual, peace loving ivoirian Alpha Blondy.
More than 20 years later I saw a picture of the artist on the cover of a local newspaper. The paper announced that he would be playing in Wattrelos - a town only 25 kms from my home.

So to cut a long story short...
I saw Alpha (now 60) in concert. It was a spectacular show. He sung some old favorites and some new ones fresh off his 16th album - Mystic Power. I was amazed by his stage presence, his social and spiritual engagement - the tight band and terrific lighting.

A great moment!