Capleton ready for Live Wire in Clarendon

Reggae icon Capleton is set to bring his signature energy to Appleton Estate Live Wire on Saturday, October 31, at The Wharf Estate in Clarendon, where he will share the stage with emerging artistes Deep Jahi and Jamarii for a night celebrating Jamaican music across generations. With a catalogue of enduring hits, a commanding stage presence and a reputation for delivering uplifting messages, Capleton is expected to lead an exciting night of reggae and dancehall. For the veteran performer, headlining this staging comes with high expectations and enthusiasm.

“It’s always an enthusiastic feeling to perform at an event for the first time,” he said, adding, “Expectation high, anticipation high, it’s a pleasure being the headliner and leading the charge for this staging of Live Wire.”

Capleton said fans can expect a performance centred on enlightenment, empowerment and the high-energy delivery for which he is known. He views every appearance as an opportunity to give audiences their money’s worth while connecting with them through music and message.

His ability to remain relevant across generations, he explained, comes from his enduring passion for music and commitment to his craft. Respecting fans and bridging generational gaps have also been essential to his longevity.

“The passion that I have for the music is what fuels the consistency, the longevity, the substance, the resilience,” he said.

For younger artistes hoping to build lasting careers, he emphasised the importance of self-determination, discipline, humility and respect for those who came before them.

“Self guard your character, don’t forget discipline, humility, tolerance, and don’t forget to pay homage to the people before you who paved the way, people who gave you the privilege, believe in yourself, and always remember that self-determination is the key,” he said.

Capleton also welcomed Appleton Estate’s partnership with Live Wire, noting that the involvement of a longstanding Jamaican brand supports the exposure of reggae and dancehall while embracing the island’s culture.

Dominic Bell, communications manager at Appleton Estate, further spoke on how the brand celebrates Jamaican culture.

“Appleton Estate has a longstanding connection to Jamaica’s rich musical heritage, and our involvement in Live Wire reflects our continued commitment to celebrating the culture and the artistes who keep it thriving. By bringing an icon like Capleton together with emerging talents such as Deep Jahi and Jamarii, the event creates a platform for different generations of Jamaican music to connect, while giving rising artistes an opportunity to showcase their talent to wider audiences. We are proud to support experiences that champion our music, celebrate our people and keep Jamaica’s cultural legacy moving forward.”

Joining Capleton on the line-up is Jamarii, who described the opportunity to share a stage with the reggae icon as a major milestone.

“The feeling is honestly unexplainable. It’s a mixture of being proud, happy, and, of course, a little anxious,” he said. “It’s a big moment for me, and I’m just grateful to be part of something like this.”

Jamarii plans to engage the audience through his music and onstage interaction.

Also set to perform is Deep Jahi, who revealed that Capleton has been an inspiration since the beginning of his musical journey. He described the opportunity to share the stage with the veteran as an honour and is particularly looking forward to performing in Clarendon, which he identifies as one of his strongest areas of support.

“The fans can expect a stellar performance, to be honest,” he said.

Deep Jahi intends to remain authentic to his artistry while using the platform to reach new listeners. He believes events such as Live Wire are valuable for emerging performers because they introduce young artistes to wider audiences and create opportunities to showcase their music. He also believes that the emotional qualities within music shine during live music and acoustic performances, which he has a strong appreciation for.

entertainment@gleanerjm.com