Alpha Blondy's Elohim and the Quest for A New Côte d’Ivoire

Abstract

The present study focuses on the message of Alpha Blondy's album Elohim as an agency of social criticism and change. The objective is to examine the ways in which the lyrics of select songs from the album relate to socioeconomic and political conditions in Côte d’Ivoire and how they contribute to nation building. The paper proposes that Blondy's vibrant and socially committed music addresses social issues in a way that educates, mobilizes and empowers the great mass of people, especially Ivorians. It translates into a tool that enables all citizens to pursue social and economic justice and enhance the quality of their lives.