New York City, USA - The issues that plague The Ivory Coast and other African nations are prominent on Alpha Blondy's latest CD, Elohim, a wide-ranging set of classic Marley-esque reggae that showcases Alpha to be as vital as ever. Some artists raise political and social issues in their songs but Alpha Blondy the most popular international reggae star since Bob Marley, confronts them in real life as well as his music.

With his beloved homeland, The Ivory Coast shattered by civil war and facing potential disintegration, Alpha has attempted to act as an honest broker between various factions in the country. It's dangerous work but Alpha is driven to see peace and justice prevail. Despite the fact that he has been jailed before, he still chooses to uses his music as a vehicle for positive change. "Machine guns sing louder than me," he has noted "but if we don't find a quick solution now...we'll be talking about a war that will last maybe twenty years or more."

Elohim, Alpha Blondy's eighth recording on Shanachie, features his sinuous reedy vocals on a compelling set of originals that deal with the struggles and sobering realities of life and themes of love. Such songs as "Journalists En Danger," "Take No Prisoner" (which deals with the slaughter in Sudan, "Dictature (Dictator)" and "Les Voleurs De La Republique (Thieves Of The Republic)" pull no punches. In typical Alpha Blondy fashion, the mesmerizing performer sings in multiple languages including French, English and Jula [also spelled Dyula, Dyoula, Diula, Dioula, Djula]. His passionate and dynamic vocals manage to convey great meaning and spirit in any language he chooses to sing.

Alpha's playful side is displayed on compositions like the lighthearted "Waikiki Rock," which is no doubt a play on his massive hit, "Cocody Rock." The catchy song references Hawaii, a place where Alpha has always had a fervent following (one of his early albums outsold Michael Jackson there in its early weeks of release). As always Alpha Blondy's backed by a super-tight cast of top-flight musicians drawn from Africa Europe and The Caribbean.

[Buy Elohim now].