Continuing to use his reggae superstar status to address tough subjects, self-proclaimed "African Rasta"
Alpha Blondy's first album in four years,
Vision, deals with the issues of Aids ("Vuvuzela"), African independence ("Le Cha-Cha-Cha du CFA"), and dictatorial regimes ("Tu Mens") against a backdrop of authentic riddims, choral harmonies, and traditional instruments from his Ivory Coast homeland. The 13 Dioula, French, and English-language songs are a more traditional affair than 2007's rock-influenced
Jah Victory, and include the single "Rasta Bourgeois" and a cover version of
Hugues Aufray's "Stewball." ~ Jon O'Brien