You can call him King Shango, The Fireman, The Prophet or just Capleton and tonight you can also say one of reggae's living legend is in Belize. He missed his flight out of Miami yesterday but still a day ahead of his concert in Belize tomorrow night, Capleton arrived in Belize this morning, as they say, straight out of jamdown. The 38 year old will perform one show on Saturday night at the City Center. Keith Swift was at the airport for his arrival.
Keith Swift Reporting, Email - [keithkswift@gmail.com]
When American Airlines flight 2103 out of Miami landed in Belize at 11:17 this morning Capleton, the man known to his fans as the prophet, and the King of Fire to some, was one of the first to emerge with a big wave. With his carry-on in tow, Capleton began his trip on a high note - taking to the mic to make clear just how happy he was to have touched down.
[Capleton Singing: 'Who do you think we are we living in a small world, small world. As wicked as you think you are we living in a small world.']
Capleton,
"The feeling is very great. Its been a long time, 20 years, and my first time here so I know the people have been waiting. So Jah it's a pleasure. I had a great flight and everything. The vibes is right and we ready for the fire."
And Capleton, the man who will perform on the City Center stage, has come a long way. He started singing back in the 1980s and is today one of reggae's most prophetic and powerful voices. Capleton says the key to his success and staying power is simply in the message.
Capleton,
"Reggae is all about the upliftment and you already know this music
is music that speaks out for the less fortunate people, the people who suffer and are oppressed by the system. So this music is here to uplift and highlight and keep the people focused, keep the people strong, keep the people positive, and keep the people firm."
Keith Swift,
What has been the secret to your longevity? We know artists like Ninjaman, who started out with you, have long faded but you remain.
Capleton,
"It is strong determination, diligent, discipline, humility, tolerance; being myself…I know who I am and where I am coming from. And it's not all about fame and publicity and popularity. Its all about the message."
But as popular and as lyrically gifted as he is, staying on that message has in some ways bedeviled Capleton over his two decades on the mic.
Capleton,
"They only give dead man 'heroship' and those things. Right now its all about a live hero, its all about warriors, and its all about live prophets who the almighty ordained and elect to really bring that message forth into the earth."
Capleton will perform on Saturday night alongside his 6 member band. His opening act will be Jah Thunder. And as for the main act, well Capleton says you can expect nothing less than a dynamic stage show…and if you don't believe well he showed us with an impromptu performance inside the airport's VIP lounge.
[Capleton Singing: 'Jah city Jah Jah town you can't run them in a town']
Tomorrow night's show begins at 10:30. Tickets are $40 in advance and $50 at the door.
7NEWS produced for broadcast by News Director Jules Vasquez
Edited and Prepared for the internet by Keith Swift
