Alpha Blondy Live in Colombo tonight

Saturday, 19 July 2025 00:38 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

From left: Cinnamon Hotels and Management Vice President Kamal Munasinghe, MBC Network COO Buddhi Wickramanayake, Artist Alpha Blondy and Eargear Productions Director Vinod Melpitiya

By Michelle Therese Alles

In a move to boost Sri Lanka’s entertainment industry, internationally acclaimed reggae artist from Ivory Coast – Alpha Blondy is to perform live in Colombo tonight at 6 p.m. onwards at Air Force Grounds.

The performance is organised by Big Blast Events and produced by EarGear Productions, the concert, in collaboration with Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts along with YES FM as the Media Partner.

Regarded as one of the most influential reggae artists of his generation, Blondy whose musical career spans over four decades, is known for his powerful calls for unity, peace, and social justice. Known for chart-topping hits such as Jerusalem, Cocody Rock, and Brigadier Sabari, Blondy will be accompanied by his long-time band, Solar System, whose decades-long collaboration promises a rich performance.

EarGear Productions Director Vinod Melpitiya noted that the concert, positioned as a landmark event for Sri Lanka’s live music scene, is only the beginning of a “new chapter for international acts in Sri Lanka”.

“Cinnamon is a homegrown Sri Lankan brand committed in delivering world-class hospitality. Hosting an international icon like Alpha Blondy is a significant step in putting us on the global entertainment map,” stated Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts Vice President Kamal Munasinghe.

MBC Networks Chief Operating Officer Buddhi Wickramanayake remarked that this is an exciting time for reggae fans and music lovers across the country and expressed enthusiasm in supporting an event of this scale which attests the country’s capability to host international artists.

At the press briefing held last Wednesday in Colombo, Blondy held up a souvenir he had purchased during a brief stopover in Sri Lanka many years ago and remarked: “I’m happy to finally be here as a musician to perform for the people, and I’m also looking forward to discovering the beauty of this island as a tourist.”

The event signals the island’s growing potential as a hub for international live entertainment, with Colombo steadily making a name for itself on the global events map.

Pic by Sameera Wijesinghe

Discover Kapruka, the leading online shopping platform in Sri Lanka, where you can conveniently send Gifts and Flowers to your loved ones for any event including Valentine ’s Day. Explore a wide range of popular Shopping Categories on Kapruka, including Toys, Groceries, Electronics, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Flower Bouquets, Clothing, Watches, Lingerie, Gift Sets and Jewellery. Also if you’re interested in selling with Kapruka, Partner Central by Kapruka is the best solution to start with. Moreover, through Kapruka Global Shop, you can also enjoy the convenience of purchasing products from renowned platforms like Amazon and eBay and have them delivered to Sri Lanka.