Entertainment

Blazing launch for Capleton's show

BY GERMAINE SMITH, Staff Reporter

Capleton - file

CAPLETON ROLLED OUT the proverbial red carpet this past Wednesday to launch his fourth annual stage show, A St. Mary Mi Come From.

The event symbolises Capleton's link with his native parish St. Mary, but unlike traditional show launches, there were no long speeches, no gibberish, no verbosity.

In fact, Capleton's vote of thanks was a scorching 15 minute set, complete with pull ups, flickering lighters, and piercing whistles from the excited hundreds who were packed into the Jonkanoo Lounge of the Hilton Hotel.

Before Capelton, there were spicy performances from Patriot, dub-poet I-Nubia (formerly Marsha), Jah Lando, Prophecy, and Jah Malo.

Nothing was boring about the night. Refreshments flowed constantly as fans, media personnel and well-wishers mingled and shared pleasantries for the hour it took to begin the proceedings.

Claudette Kemp, Capleton's manager, told the gathering that proceeds from the event will be pumped back into the parish. This time, six different institutions in St Mary will benefit rather than one as in previous years.

Benefits

The Islington High School, the St. Mary Youth Club, Baccaswood Basic School, the Annotto Bay Hospital, the Gray's Inn Sports Complex, and the Islington Sports Complex will all receive funds, she stated.

In offering his quick greetings, President of the Jamaica Federation of Musicians, Desmond Young, stated that artistes like Capleton have to have a broad back to take criticism.

"Our music has captured most of the world and our messengers have to be stout hearted, because in carrying the upifting messages, yu must get a fight," he said.

Capleton himself was brief, but said that Jamaica was blessed spiritually. He linked the 144 square mile dimension of Jamaica to spiritual connections in the Bible, and said we should not take our worth lightly.

Before closing in song, he noted "We born pon a blessed piece a soil, we just need more life and prosperity."