Capleton – Full Performance – Reggae Land 2025

Capleton, born Clifton George Bailey III on April 13, 1967, in Islington, St. Mary, Jamaica, is a legendary figure in reggae and dancehall music. Known by several monikers including King Shango, The Fireman, and The Prophet, he has been active in the music scene since the mid-1980s and is celebrated for his Rastafarian beliefs, fiery performances, and socially conscious lyrics

🎤 Early Life & Career Beginnings

Capleton earned his nickname from friends who admired his sharp reasoning skills, naming him after a respected local lawyer. At 18, he moved to Kingston to pursue music, eventually getting his first international break in 1989 thanks to Stewart Brown of African Star Sound System, who flew him to Canada for a show

🔥 Musical Evolution

Initially known for dancehall hits like “Bumbo Red”, “No Lotion Man”, and “Number One on the Look Good Chart”, Capleton’s music took a spiritual turn in the early 1990s. Songs like “Alms House”, “Music is a Mission”, and “Tour” marked his shift toward conscious lyrics and Rastafarian themes. His 1995 album “Prophecy” and 1997’s “I-Testament”, released under Def Jam, featured collaborations with artists like Method Man and Q-Tip

🌍 Impact & Recognition

Capleton’s influence grew through the late ’90s and early 2000s with albums like “More Fire” and “Still Blazin”, the latter earning him a Grammy nomination in 2003. His annual charity concert “A St Mary Mi Come From”, started in 2000, has supported schools and hospitals in Jamaica

🔥 Philosophy & Controversies

Capleton is a devout Bobo Ashanti Rastafarian, a vegan, and a vocal advocate for black empowerment, often referencing Marcus Garvey in his teachings. His use of “fire” in lyrics symbolizes spiritual purification, not violence. However, he has faced criticism for lyrics perceived as anti-gay, which led to concert cancellations in Switzerland and the U.S. His team has clarified that these lyrics are metaphorical and rooted in his faith

📀 Discography Highlights

Some of his notable albums include:

• Alms House (1993)
• Prophecy (1995)
• I-Testament (1997)
• More Fire (2000)
• Still Blazin (2002)
• I-Ternal Fire (2010)