The man is media. Its escapades are largely included in the newspapers. But its music truly shook West Africa in the Eighties. Alpha Blondy was essential with a very impregnated reggae of African rates/rhythms. Heavily influenced by the music of Bob Marley, Blondy considered himself a Rasta at an early age. So early, in fact, that he recorded six Reggae tunes while still in his teens. Blondy sings in Dioula, English, French, Arabic, and Hebrew. His band, The Solar System, is likewise international, with members hailing from Cameroon, England, France, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, and Togo. Alpha Blondy and The Solar System are tight and hot, and Alpha's status as the premiere African Reggae star is richly deserved. Presale tickets $43.00.