By Winstone Antonio
Jamaican artiste Clifton George Bailey III — better known as Capleton or King Shango — jetted into the country yesterday ahead of a high-octane gig dubbed the “Judgment Day” dancehall show in Harare tonight.
He headlines this weekend’s gig, in which he shares the stage with local dancehall artistes Winky D, Sniper Storm, Guspy Warrior, Jiggaz, Freeman, Lady B and Lady Squanda among others.
The Fire Fire hitmaker touched down at Harare International Airport at 1830hours aboard a South African Airways plane from Johannesburg accompanied by fellow artiste who is also his cousin Jah Thunder (real name Omar Oneil Bolt).
They were met at the airport by fans who came dressed in their multi-coloured Rastafarian regalia.
In an interview at the Harare International Airport soon after his arrival before heading for a live interview at StarFM, Capleton said he was delighted to be back in the country, which has become his second home.
“I am happy to be back with Jah Thunder in Zimbabwe which is like a home to me with blessed and cheerful people,” said Capleton.
He urged local dancehall fans to come in their numbers and promised a polished act.
“This time it is going to be a different show. I promise to deliver an unforgettable performance to what I did during the previous shows. There is going to be a lot of energy, lots of fire. Come in numbers for a dancehall thing,” said the dancehall guru.
Capleton hinted on a possibility of collaborations with local artistes.
“We have the energy to deliver, we have the fire and we bring the vibe. Zimbabwe dancehall is on track. We will see what we can do about collaborations. I know there is Guspy Warrior, just come witness the madness,” said Capleton.
Jah Thunder also shared the same sentiments with Capleton and hinted to a repeat of 2010 collaborations with local artistes.
After today’s show, Capleton and Freeman head for South Africa where they are expected to share the stage at one of the leading reggae event dubbed the Cape Town International Reggae Fest slated for the weekend.
Capleton was born on 13 April, 1967 in Saint Mary, Jamaica. He is a devout Rastafarian who usually makes reference to Bobo Ashanti, one of the various sects of the movement.
