Capleton to bring the fire at Encore Live

More than three decades of hits, high-energy performances and an unmistakable place in Jamaican music culture will take centre stage when Capleton headlines Encore Live: Culture Rising on Sunday, August 30 at Plantation Cove in St Ann.

Presented by Midas Entertainment and 8 Rivaz Ultra Lounge, the day-to-evening reggae experience will run from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. and will also feature reggae artiste Nesbeth and Grammy-certified saxophonist Dean Fraser, with music by DJ Delano of Renaissance and Bass Odyssey.

For Midas Entertainment, the line-up is deliberately built around different but interconnected elements of Jamaican music culture, with Capleton at its centre. Capleton has built one of reggae and dancehall’s most enduring catalogues, with songs including Tour, Jah Jah City, That Day Will Come, Who Dem? and Or Wah remaining staples of his live performances. His reputation for commanding a stage, coupled with the energy and physicality of his performances, has helped him maintain a following that spans generations.

“Capleton is more than an artiste. He is a cultural icon whose energy, catalogue and influence have helped shape reggae for generations,” said Stefan Ebanks of Midas Entertainment. “We are proud to bring an experience of this calibre to Jamaica’s north coast. Patrons can expect exceptional production, strong performances and the kind of atmosphere that only a Capleton concert can deliver.”

The sound system component of Culture Rising adds another layer to that story. Bass Odyssey, the St Ann-based sound system with a celebrated history, brings decades of dubplate culture, sound system tradition and dancehall history to the event.

Capleton’s own career has also remained closely connected to sound system culture. His catalogue has long been embraced at dances and clashes, while his relationship with Renaissance produced Or Wah, a recording that became a major part of his dancehall repertoire and remains a recognised favourite with audiences.

His latest album, Heights of Fire, was released on June 26 through Evidence Music, marking his first full-length album in 16 years. The 16-track project features Damian Marley, Stephen Marley and Eesah and continues themes of spirituality, justice, resistance and righteousness that have remained central to Capleton’s music throughout his career.

“This is an experience you cannot afford to miss. Bring the family, bring your friends, and bring the energy. Come ready for the message, the music, the vibration and the fire,” said Capleton. “When the Fireman touches that stage, it’s going to be a frenzy situation. I’m coming to ignite the place, raise the energy and leave you with an experience you’ll never forget. Fire cyaa cool! Heights of Fire!”

Culture Rising is the latest staging in the Encore Live Series, a reggae-focused event series featuring live Jamaican music and sound system culture.

The event will close Midas Entertainment’s summer finale weekend at Plantation Cove. The weekend begins on Saturday, August 29, with Sophisticated: The Summer End Beach Party, featuring Vanessa Bling, Trippple X, Bishop Escobar and Illusion Sound.

entertainment@gleanerjm.com