THE reigning king of ‘fyah’, Capleton, has for the first time in his blazing musical career released a strictly one-drop roots and culture album.

The truly authentic foundation reggae set, already available in Africa, America and Europe, is called Iternal Fire.

Any attempt from whatever source to question the assertion of it being his first such musical project is understandable. But it is coming from no less authority than the flaming deejay also known internationally as King Shango.

“It is the first time I have ever done a one-drop roots and culture album,” Capleton told the Observer. “Yeah man. Because, y’know, all the other albums dem we always give it a little mixture. A little R&B, a little hip hop, a little dancehall. Well (this time), I chose to go straight roots and culture and it’s working,” explained the fiery deejay.

He then advanced a perspective which suggests a coming to terms with a certain reality. “We know that the roots music is the power music, y’know. People love dancehall, cause they love to jump up, they love to be happy and they love to ‘hol’ a vibes. But at the end of the day, they love that substantial message in terms of its spirituality.”

Defending his decision to refocus his music, the Rastafari entertainer added “This (one-drop roots and culture) is the music that defend the people. When the mercenaries came in, and subdued the spirit of the people, this is the music that helped the people to find their soul and find their spirituality and keep dem focus”.

Still rooting for the return of the foundation on which the music was built, the colourful performer and lyricist noted. “We know they try to ridicule it at all times and we know it is because of the message. For our music is protest music because it speak for the less fortunate; the people who are oppressed and surpressed by the system systematically. So wi know dem a goh fight it.

“But as mi a sey, Babylon fighting a losing battle. Jah sey ‘have no fear for dem automic energy. The hotter the battle di sweeter the victory’ and we do have confidence in the victory of good over evil, so we just keep the burning.”

One of a number of Jamaican acts including Sizzla, Sean Paul, Beenie Man, Luciano, Gramps from Morgan Heritage’s fame and Brick and Lace, who in 2010 graced the stage of South Africa, Capleton, according to rave reviews appearing in the foreign press, ignited Glamis Arena in Harare, Zimbabwe, on New Year’s Eve.

While watching a video of the event with this reporter, Capleton noted that he was not surprised that his legions of African fans who crammed the venue were singing along to his songs. “I wouldn’t say surprise, because the music is powerful. Because I have been to Europe to the Spanish country, to the French country, to the Italian country, German country and these people sing the songs word for word. So I was never really surprise. The music crossed every boundary and every boader. But it’s a joy to see how the people really gravitate and how they sing the songs. These people know every song even the ones that are not popular in Jamaica. They sing them word for word. Like the newest and oldest. They know all of them.”

And what does he have in store for the months ahead. “Right now everywhere in Africa is calling Capleton, Guinea, Kenya, Nigeria, you name it. Even the Congos. I’m returning quite soon. In March, I’m returning for the Ghanian Independence celebrations. So I’m looking forward to that experience. I’m going to South Africa as well.”