‘A joy and a blessing’ Capleton says of first UK performance in 13 years

Capleton, the fiery Rastafarian singer who eschews high-end designers and brands ­— such as Louis Vuitton, Prada and Dior, beloved by entertainers and celebrities — in favour of his own custom-made raiment, had the majestic look totally locked in when he appeared in the United Kingdom at the end of May for his first concert there in 13 years.

Robed in gold attire, gilded with bright stones, and with gold shoes matching exactly, King Shango stepped out like royalty in the monarchy-ruled UK. He told The Gleaner that his fashion choice was deliberate.

“We have dress for the occasion and present and represent. We have to uphold the royalty as well. As an artiste, we know that when we go out to perform we have to dress for the people, because fashion does go with the music ... so that majestic look, that kingly look ... it was definitely deliberate,” Capleton shared.

The entertainer made the headlines last November when it was announced that he had been granted a work permit for the United Kingdom, after more than a decade. Notably, however, Capleton was consistently granted work permits for other countries in Europe, where he has a huge fan base and tours every year.

His assignment at Brockwell Park in Brixton, London, saw Capleton performing in front of 30,000 fired-up concertgoers at City Splash an annual festival that “celebrates the impact of Caribbean and African culture”, from roots, dub dancehall, jungle, garage, to contemporary music.

Quizzed on his feelings being on stage performing for his England fans after so long, Capleton referenced the kingship and kinship.

“The feeling was majestic. It was a joyful situation for me. It was like the first time gracing a stage in the UK, and it was definitely a joy for me and a blessing. The energy was definitely top-tier, both for me and the audience. Definitely a frenzy situation. Yuh know for me it’s all about the energy... it was definitely full hundred,” the Or Wha singer shared.

And his favourite part of the concert?

“When I stopped the band and told the people to take out their cell phones. They didn’t know what was to expect, even though they were highly anticipating it. I did one of my favourite songs Head Above the Water ... and when I hold a certain note is like the energy of the people crazy; they screamed to the key ... the note was so high. Doing that song a cappella was my favourite part of the concert,” Capleton shared.

Following his performance at City Fest, Capleton has a number of shows lined up, among them the New York and Miami legs of Love Fest; St Kitts Music Festival; Reggae Sumfest; Reggae on the River in California; and his own stageshow, A St Mary Mi Come From, scheduled for August 5 in the parish of his birth.

“We jus deh yah a uphold and giving thanks that reggae and dancehall are still alive and well,” Capleton said.

Capleton, who is working on an album project, recently enjoyed a No. song on the iTunes Canada Reggae Chart with Hottest Region, a collab with three emerging UK artistes, Lady Marga MC, Stamma Kid, and Cyanide Oftm. Hottest Region is produced by Contractor Music and Makonnen Blake Hannah.

Also, This is How we Roll, a collab featuring Buju Banton, Capleton and BL Tha Hook Slaya, marketed by Contractor Music Marketing, is receiving immense love on the airwaves, powered by the accompany music video.

yasmine.peru@gleanerjm.com