August 07, 2025
By Tracyann Dunkley | JamRadio Entertainment Desk
JamRadio proudly salutes the blazing brilliance of Capleton—Jamaica’s indomitable Fireman—who was honoured with the prestigious Reggae Icon Award during the 63rd Independence Grand Gala at Kingston’s National Stadium. Draped in black, green, and gold, Capleton stepped onto the stage with his signature chant “Jah Rastafari,” electrifying the crowd and reaffirming his place as one of reggae’s most enduring and transformative forces.
Prime minister Dr. Andrew Holness present Capleton with an award druing celeberation to comemorate Jamaica's 63rd independence day
Born Clifton George Bailey III in St Mary, Jamaica, Capleton burst onto the scene in the late 1980s with dancehall hits like Bumbo Red and Number One Pon the Look Good Chart. But it was his spiritual awakening in the early ’90s that truly set him apart. Embracing Rastafarianism, he pivoted towards conscious music, delivering powerful anthems like Tour, Jah Jah City, That Day Will Come, and Cold Blooded Murderer.
His albums Prophecy and I-Testament, released under Def Jam Recordings, fused reggae with hip-hop and earned him international acclaim. By the early 2000s, Capleton was headlining festivals worldwide and dropping fire-laced albums like More Fire, Still Blazin’ (Grammy-nominated), and Reign of Fire.
Capleton’s influence stretches far beyond Jamaica’s shores. From Malta to London, fans chant his lyrics word for word, proving his music’s universal resonance. Yet he remains deeply rooted in his homeland, hosting the annual A St Mary Mi Come From concert to raise funds for schools and hospitals.
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His recent performance at Reggae Land Festival in the UK and his upcoming project set for release later this year show that the Fireman is far from cooling down. As Capleton himself said, “The high point for me is to know that I’m still relevant, still headlining major festivals, and still making new music”.
Capleton’s music is more than entertainment—it’s a spiritual revolution. His fiery lyrics, often misunderstood, are metaphors for purification and truth. “The fire is not just for destruction, it is for purification. The fire is the truth,” he once declared.
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Receiving the Reggae Icon Award while still actively blazing stages worldwide is a testament to his enduring legacy. Capleton continues to rise, not just as a performer, but as a prophet, a philanthropist, and a pillar of reggae culture.
JamRadio.uk celebrates Capleton’s journey—a blazing trail of truth, rhythm, and resistance. Long live the Fireman. More Fire!
