Passion or Profession: Singer

Period: 1953–

Alpha Blondy received part of his unique nickname from his grandmother. She was the first to call him “Blondy,” a Dyula word meaning “bandit.” So, his name actually means “first bandit.” Early on, he studied to be an English teacher, but he soon decided that music was his real calling. Beginning in 1984, he created a reggae style of music that attracted many listeners. Singing about everything from love to social issues, he has had a successful career spanning more than 20 years.