As a youth, award-winning Jamaican reggae and Dancehall artist Capleton found solace in music. Choosing a career in music, he abandoned his hometown of St. Mary and traveled to Kingston at 18, so he could hone his deejay skills. After traveling to Canada and landing work with the Toronto label, African Star, he quickly grew to become one of the most innovative and cultural deejay’s of his generation. In the early ’90’s, he returned home to release a string of hits that captured and stirred the hearts of the people. Now, after several years of a musical hiatus, he returns and picks up where his 2004 release, Reign of Fire, ended.
Capleton, also referred to as King Shango and The Prophet, offers his first ever one-drop cultural album, I-Ternal Fire. He’s been called one of Dancehall’s most reliable hit-makers. Unlike his previous albums, he delivers his message over much mellower musical arrangements. In the song, “When I Come to Town,” crooked politicians come under fire. Capleton sheds light on the political unrest in the Middle East on “Global Wars,” and he speaks directly to the world powers whom he feels are responsible. “Mama, You Strong” praises his mother, while the hip-winding “I’m in Love” is a melodic love letter to a woman he adores.
Capleton’s early influences from Bob Marley and comparisons to Peter Tosh are evident on I-Ternal Fire. He’s created another timeless album that reggae enthusiasts will enjoy for years to come. –themverses
