Capleton’s fire still blazes

Fresh off receiving the National Icon Award at Jamaica's 63rd Independence Grand Gala celebration, reggae and dancehall legend Capleton, popularly known as 'The Fireman', is still radiating gratitude and determination.

"I'm very enthusiastic about this award because it shows that all the hard work I've put in over the years has paid off," Capleton told THE WEEKEND STAR. "To get the respect of my country and my people, it's a great feeling."

For Capleton, accolades are welcome, but they're not the ultimate goal. He doesn't measure life by a checklist of achievements he would want to accomplish. Instead, his focus is simple yet profound -- stay healthy, keep doing Jah's work, and trust that great accomplishments will manifest itself.

Capleton remains deeply rooted in the teachings of Marcus Garvey, which he calls a guiding light in his personal life and career.

"Marcus Garvey teaches self-reliance, self-esteem, African unity, and racial pride for the black man," he said. "I uphold these principles in my daily life and I echo them when I'm performing around the world in all my concerts."

With Jamaica's general election right around the corner, Capleton was asked what Garvey would want for the country in this time. The Slew Dem artiste did not hesitate to reference history.

"Well Marcus Garvey formed Jamaica's first political party called the People's Progressive Party. I'm sure he would want to see his party in the next general election and see his candidates winning their seat," he said.

The Fireman's calendar is still ablaze with activity. On August 17, he'll take the stage in Baltimore alongside Sizzla and Richie Spice for the Rasta City show -- timed perfectly with Garvey's birthday. Capleton is letting fans know that they can expect nothing less than a cultural celebration drenched in conscious lyrics and blazing energy.

Just two weeks later, on August 30, Capleton will light up the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, joining forces with some of reggae and dancehall's heavy hitters such as Shenseea, Alkaline, Elephant Man, Mr Vegas, T.O.K, Tony Matterhorn, and Tanto Metro and Devonte at the Reggae Fest Massive event.

After being away from the public spotlight for a minute, Capleton isn't just hitting back with live shows, he has been cooking up some hits in the studio, working on an album.

"I am still recording new tracks and will select from those recorded. The album will have some giant collabs as well as new songs from me that will convey that the fire is still burning very intense within me."