Ivory Coast-born vocalist Blissi Tabil has been one of his homeland's most outspoken artists. His songs have celebrated the indigenous traditions while speaking out against political oppression. He attracted international attention in 2000 when his hunger strike, protesting one of his songs being censored, was noted in the annals of the United Nations. Inspired by Sery Simplice, the first modern Ivory Coast performer to combine traditional clothing, music, and dance. Tebil launched his career with a variety of rural, ziglibithy bands during the '70s and '80s. Although he spent two years (1988 to 1989) in New York trying to build his career as a soloist, he became disenchanted and left music until 1996. ~ Craig Harris, All Music Guide