Capleton to honour heroes at Sharkies Seafood Festival

As Jamaica prepares to celebrate National Heroes' Day later this month, reggae-dancehall legend Capleton says he will use the stage to honour the legacy of the island's greatest icons.

The reggae firebrand is slated to bring the heat to Sharkies Seafood Festival this Heroes Day, October 20, promising a performance that will be as reverent as it is electrifying.

Known for his catalogue of songs that aims to uplift and empower, Capleton has declared particular fondness for three of the country's seven national heroes. Asked which heroes resonate most with him, the 'King of Fire' pointed to Marcus Garvey, Paul Bogle and Nanny of the Maroons.

"[They] resonate with me the most at different times in my life," Capleton told THE STAR.

"Marcus Garvey taught us how to be self-reliant and about having business for ourselves. Paul Bogle taught us to rebel and fight for justice and fair treatment for all Jamaicans, and Nanny taught us that women can be great leaders," he said.

For him, the sacrifices of Jamaica's foreparents are the very foundation of today's freedoms. And he believes their teachings remain urgent and relevant.

"If Marcus Garvey were here today, he would definitely advocate for more Jamaican businessmen to put their resources together and build hotels and have more of a stake in the tourism industry. I think he would also speak out against scamming and encourage young people to pursue education and pursue the tech industry and be more hard-working and encourage more young people into farming," Capleton reasoned.

As he prepares for a fiery performance at Sharkies Seafood Festival, the That Day Will Come hitmaker promises a set list that will both entertain and inspire.

"I love performing in Jamaica and we have such a rich culture and history. So I want to leave an impact on the audience as well as make them enjoy themselves," Capleton said.

With fire in his voice and tribute in his heart, Capleton says he intends to make Heroes' Day a celebration worthy of Jamaica's giants. He said patrons are in for a treat, stating that he will be performing songs that pay homage to the heroes.

"I have many songs that pay tribute to Marcus Garvey and I will be performing some of them from my catalogue. My music always stands for justice, equality, being proud to be black, self-esteem, self-respect, self-reliance -- and these are some of the principles our national heroes fought to uphold," he said.

For Capleton, his mission at Sharkies goes beyond music -- it's about leaving a lasting message of unity and love and respect for each other, along with self-love. If the national heroes were in the audience, Capleton knows which of his hits he would belt out for their ears.

"I would sing Stand Tall, because it's a militant song and it's an empowering song," he said.