Capleton to rain down fire energy on Skydwellers

Fire energy is what proclaimed Fireman and Prophet, Capleton, is promising fans who will assemble on the lawns of the Skydweller Ultra Lounge for tonight’s Hennessy Artistry showcase. The reggae artiste, who told The Gleaner that he has not performed in Kingston “in a while”, says this concert will be special.

“This will be my first acoustic performance and I am definitely looking forward to it,” he said, smiling and rubbing his palms together in anticipation. “Kingston is missing me, and this gives me an opportunity to get up close to my fans who have been supporting me all these years. It will be acoustic with a lot of fire, vibe and energy,” the Fireman added.

Over the years, Capleton, who also goes by the royal title King Shango, has distinguished himself with his ultra high-energy performances, which oftentimes see him appearing to defy the law of gravity by being suspended in mid-air. Those antics, he says, are simply a case of him being propelled by the undiluted love of the music. “It’s just the power of the music,” he said laughing. “We know the real potency of the music, so it makes my performance potent as well,” he explained.

Very focused on emanating positive vibrations and maintaining that deep spiritual connection, the Rastafarian reggae artiste told The Gleaner that he had just returned from a successful fishing trip in his home parish, St Mary, and he extolled the virtues of his hobby. “Fishing is my favourite way of relaxation, and I have been doing this from a child. I love to feel the energy and the vibe. When I am fishing I don’t hold the rod, I hold the line in my hand, and that way, as soon as a fish even brush ‘gainst the line, I feel it,” he said, his face alight with excitement. Happy that he had made “a good catch” that day, he revealed, surprisingly, that he doesn’t even eat fish. He’s vegan.

“So I give away the fish to family and friends,” he said happily. Actually, Capleton, christened Clifton George Bailey III, says he’s happiest when giving, and pointed out that this is the reason why he stages his annual charity show, A St Mary Mi Come From.

“Giving and sharing is an act of God. God loves a cheerful giver,” he quoted. “From I was a boy, I always said that I wanted to do something to help my community. This show started from a dance, until it reach a stage show and now it is a festival. Sometimes, we don’t even make any money and corporate don’t really look our way, but we press on, and we ensure that we keep our promises. Giving back is always a joy, whether it is something to help in education, health, sports or the physically challenged,” he said. He also stated that the event will next be held in August 2020.

Capleton acknowledges and embraces his position as a role model, and says he is acutely aware of the effect of the message in the music. “Artistes have to know what they are saying, especially to the young ears that are listening. It can’t always be about the bling and riches, there has to be humility in your message. And to always remember that your health is your greatest wealth,” the health-conscious Rastafarian cautioned.

He also touched on one of his pet peeves, the lack of respect shown to legends in the music business.

“That’s not how it is supposed to be,” the Prophet declared. “There is no respect for the artistes who set the foundation. When I see the legends on the street, I have to give them their respect,” he said, adding that he is willing to do a collab with “any legendary artiste any day”.

Tonight’s Hennessy Artistry will see Capleton and reggae singer Jah Vinci on stage, complemented by saxophonist Tafane, the High Symbol Band and The Prophecy Band.

yasmine.peru@gleanerjm.com