Capleton salutes Aidonia’s 20 years in music

Veteran reggae/dancehall artiste Capleton was one of the major highlights last Saturday after 'burning down' the stage at the Jamaica leg of Aidonia's 20th anniversary concert held at Sabina Park in Kingston.

The vibrant deejay, who is known for his energetic and entertaining performances, said he had to represent in the true Capleton fashion for the "creative" deejay, as a way to not only show his appreciation and support but as a part of "protecting the music".

"Mi always tek di time out to uplift and give a strength or pay my respect to artistes whether young or old. When he [Aidonia] called me and seh 'Shango, yuh know mi waah yuh pass through come show yuh face and give a strength,' I never hesitate. So I just went there and did what I love to do...because wi affi have some authenticity inna di ting and wi affi protect di music too, and my thing transition from generation to generation," Capleton told THE STAR.

"It was a joy, and even though I didn't perform on the band, I used tracks, it was a great vibe and wi affi represent and represent well, because the music is ours and it's the only thing we have and we have to protect it in whichever way. So my job is to deliver, go out there and stay on my A-game and show di youths dem. Suh when dem a elevate, dem can seh 'Dis is how Capleton do it,'" said the deejay. He said the show was a "great experience".

"Mi really enjoyed miself and when mi a look out deh in the crowd a bare pickney mi a see," he laughed.

Capleton noted the importance of creating "timeless" music with generational impact, while stressing that musical evolution doesn't equate to less substance.

"That's the thing about doing good music - music with stability, substance and longevity lives on. Some a dem song yah a some 30-year old song, enuh, and the kids were singing along, so it's good fa yuh to do positive, timeless music. We know the message is important, but at the end a di day, wi still affi resonate wid di people and di people affi resonate wid di music and di energy and di vibes," he shared.

Capleton, who is known for his smooth roots-reggae sound and melodic dancehall flow, said though the musical patterns are changing, he always remains "authentic by staying true to my craft".

"It is not about substitute, it's about original, authentic music. When yuh go out deh inna di world, a dem type a music deh di people dem gravitate to," he shared, adding that he always encouraged younger artistes to have at least "two positive songs" in their catalogue for brand marketing purposes.

Despite having a great influence on Aidonia's career, as stated by the artiste, Capleton credited his younger colleague for his own creativity and being a strong force within the dancehall space for 20 years.

"Big up Aidonia - a good youth. It's a blessing to see that the youths can emulate you and you can pave the way suh the youths can follow. I love to make the work speak for itself because whatever wi doing, wi nuh dweet fi clout or validation because wi dweet fi di love and the passion," said Capleton. "And over the years, we've acknowledge and salute the growth of Aidonia's [career] too. He's a creative youth and wi love creativity and he contributes a lot to dancehall."

With a career spanning more than three decades, Capleton advised Aidonia to "Stay positive, stay focus and know the value of music and what it does and still do".

"Just stay strong - don't worry about the obstacles and stumbling block because those are a part of the journey...and always do good and respect the fans because a dem make us what we are. Also, always stick to the roots and being authentic and always keep the fire burning," he laughed.

Capleton said he will continue to be an "example and positive guide" for the youth to follow as he continues to produce music He expressed excitement about the release of his upcoming 17-track roots-reggae album, which will also include a mix of dancehall and cross-over music with a surprise collaboration.