HE is dancehall’s “fireman”, and rightfully so as he brings the heat to every stage show.

Capleton, a true performer, embodies the essence of dancehall. Not only is he a firm pillar in Jamaica’s entertainment industry but he has blazed such an undeniable musical trail, sparing no stage, as he continues to deliver scorching performances all across the globe.

Agreeing that his professional approach usually leads to fiery performances, Capleton told the Jamaica Observer that his passion for music burns within the depths of his soul.

“Mi cyah explain my presence on stage except to say it’s the passion I have for the music and the way I value it and my fans,” he said with a smile tapered across his face. “I value the people so high, because if they don’t turn up for the shows what’s the purpose of singing? If they don’t sing your songs, dance for you, jump for you and buy your CDs and whatever, you don’t get to do what you love. So, I make it my duty to give the people my all when I go on stage to the point where if dem did a sleep before me, dem affi wake up.”

Capleton, who has been working stages across the globe since the early 90s, says there is a joy in feeding from his audience’s inexplicable energy.

“We do anything for the music and culture because, to me, there’s no greater feeling than pleasing the crowd. When they give you back the energy you give to them and the whole place deh pan fire, nothing nuh beat dat,” he said.

“We represent for Jamaica and Rastafari, the people, and the fraternity and we self as well, so that’s why we say presentation and representation always. We know the power of the music because we travel the world.”

The Tun It Up deejay said that having done his fair share of globe-trotting through reggae and dancehall music, he knows the music’s worth on the international scale. He says Jamaica has a national treasure in dancehall and reggae, and the country ought to do its best to preserve it.

“More while you travel and see the energy and vibration the people have for the music, you just affi be proud. When you look and say, ‘A me create this,’ it make you feel good,” he said. “Maybe tru we a di creators of this music it nuh seem like nothing to us, but we affi go value it, and show more passion for it, and respect the people who paved the way and faced all the challenges and made all the sacrifices so we could have the privilege fi come and carry on the work.”

“King Shango” was in full effect on local stages in recent days, with dominating performances at Aidonia’s 20th anniversary celebration at Sabina Park on May 10 and at the Romain Virgo and Friends Live Mother’s Day concert at Hope Gardens a day later.