‘Healing and fire’ - Capleton sets to ignite Food, Rum and Reggae Festival

Firebrand reggae icon Capleton is gearing up to ignite the stage at this Sunday's Food, Rum & Reggae Festival, vowing to use his performance as a beacon of hope for hurricane-battered Jamaica.

For the veteran entertainer, the mission is bigger than music.

"The message of hope is to unite, bounce back and rebuild with a togetherness. Other countries have done it -- look at Japan after earthquake devastation," he told THE WEEKEND STAR.

Originally slated for Treasure Beach from November 7-9, the festival was forced to relocate to the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre after Hurricane Melissa ravaged western Jamaica, including St Elizabeth, the home of the festival. Part proceeds of this fundraising festival are in aid of the rehabilitation of Jamaica's agricultural sector.

Sharing the bill with Capleton are crowd-pleasers including Agent Sasco. For the 'Fireman', this appearance is a personal duty.

"It's very important for me to perform at this concert to benefit the people of St Elizabeth," Capleton shared.

"I have always been giving back to my people in the parish of St Mary. Actually, daily I help people in need and with no publicity, and now we can extend to help people in other parishes--it's such a joy."

Capleton promises what he calls a "healing performance."

"My performances are always healing because the live instruments connect directly with the body and mind. Also, my lyrics are healing because it's about upliftment, self-love, self-awareness, self-respect and militancy," he said.

He believes Sunday's show also signals a turning point for the entertainment landscape.

"This show actually represents the official restart of the entertainment scene in the country. Other events have been held, but this is the first major one, and it also helps in the rebuilding process, just as the tourism industry has also reopened officially," he explained.

While rum plays a starring role in the festival's culinary offerings, the Rastafarian artiste made it clear he doesn't drink alcohol -- though he respects responsible consumption.

"I don't drink alcohol, and even though I don't consume alcohol, I have no problem with those who do, once it's in moderation and not abused," he said.

In addition to its rum offerings, the festival will feature a vibrant artisan village showcasing some of Jamaica's most talented creators, along with an array of mouth-watering dishes bursting with authentic Jamaican flavour.

"Good food always brings people together, and Jamaican food is some of the best in the world; and when you combine that with good reggae music it's really good for Brand Jamaica," the Fireman said.

Above all, Capleton views the festival as a chance to lift national spirits at a time of collective strain.

"Music festivals like these bring people together and give Jamaicans a much-needed break from daily stress, improving mental health," he said.

With a mission rooted in unity, healing and national pride, Capleton is ready to set the stage ablaze -- for a cause close to his heart.