A wise man onc… Read Full Bio ↴King Shango, King David, The Fireman and The Prophet.
A wise man once said that a prophet is not without honour save in his own country and so it has been with Capleton. While the veteran DJ's words and works long ago earned him the title of "The Prophet", the respect and honor that should rightfully be his have been a long time coming. "Anytime you try to uplift righteousness and upliftment of the people them, then you ah go get a fight", says the hottest entertainer in the worldwide reggae fraternity. "Bob Marley come do it and them fight him. And when Bob Marley dead, that's when they start to endorse him. I already aware of this, I am not unaware. So I know the more them fight I is the more I get stronger" In the fast-moving world of dancehall reggae, fame and success are hard to obtain and easy to lose. Fans can be fickle, and trends change in the blink of an eye, leaving most entertainers with painfully short career spans. Only a rare few can remain relevant from year to year, holding their audience's attention and leaving them crying for more. His lyrics are deep, precise, and thoughtful. His stage shows are nothing less than dynamic, explosive performances. But his remarkable staying power and longevity may be Capleton's greatest gift.
Born Clifton George Bailey III on April 13, 1967, in the rural parish of St. Mary, Capleton earned his future stage name from friends who were so impressed with his sharp reasoning skills that they named him after the most famous lawyer in town. From a tender young age, he was a lover of the traveling sound systems, sneaking out at night to catch the vibes until dawn. But it wasn't until he turned 18 and moved to Kingston that he was able to realize his destiny.
It was Stewart Brown, owner of a Toronto-based sound called African Star, who gave the untested artist his first break, flying him to Canada for a stage show alongside giants like Ninjaman and Flourgon. The audience poured out their appreciation, and he never looked back. When Capleton first burst on the scene in the late 1980s, the dancehall was a very different place than it is today. Slackness and gun talk were the order of the day. This bright promising newcomer announced his arrival with a string of hit songs from "Bumbo Red" to "Number One on the Look Good Chart" and "Lotion Man." Everything he touched hit the sound-good charts, and the youthful artist with the nimble vocabulary and hardcore voice quickly established himself as one of dancehall's most reliable hitmakers. But even he could not have predicted that eleven years later, at the start of the new millennium, he would be dancehall's ruling voice.
"I think the people dem see say me really deserve that because of the amount of years me put in," Capleton says, "and we never really bow and we still hold the faith. We stand up for whatever we a say. Yeah and we really work for it. And them say by your works, a so you get your pay. The people them see the amount of fight me face and the whole heap of accusation. And me still never give up"
When he dropped the tune "Alms House" in 1992, Capleton established himself as more than an entertainer but as a guiding light of righteousness through music. "United we stand and divided we fall," he sang for the benefit of his fans and dancehall comrades. "Nuff of them nah go know themself till them back against the wall." A few years later he came back with yet another antidote to the clashing and rivlary that had taken hold of the dancehall business. "Music is a mission," he reminded his fellow artists, "not a competition. Some man use the music to cause confusion." The path of this dancehall Prophet was clearly established in 1994 with a string of songs that declared his newfound faith in Rastafari. "INI sight up the light and see say really, yunno, Rasta is real," he recalls. "founder of the world, because Rasta did come set the trend. Y'unnerstand. Rasta is life."
The first words of his mega-hit "Dis The Trinity" made it plain that the DJ had experienced some kind of revelation. "I was once lost but now I'm found," he stated, "Selassie I live every time." Capleton became a strong advocate of the teaching of the Jamaican National Hero, Marcus Mosiah Garvey, founder of the Universal Negro Improvement Association and advocate of universal black repatriation. "Babylon rewarded us with hatred for our love," he declares. "They taught us to rape, steal and kill. For instance, they stole our literature and taught it back to us in a different manner so as to infiltrate our minds with foolishness and other misconceptions. Now we as black men do not see ourselves as prince and prophets, but as punks and guys. Our women do not see themselves as queens, princesses or empresses anymore, but as harlots and concubines." The only solution, as Bob Marley advocated, is to emancipate oneself from mental slavery.
"Over the years INI as a nation and a people, them no really teach INI nuttin' bout INI black self. You know I mean? Them teach INI them give we European philosophy. So INI and some other youths a try emerge now, we ask certain question and we ask fi certain things. Caw we know say an institute, or in a college, or in a certain organization we need we Ethiopian curriculum, we need the black man thing. We need to know about weself. Becaw the prophet Marcus Garvey did show we say, A nation without no knowledge of them own history is like a tree without a root. And if you don't know where you're coming from, you're not gonna know where you're going."
Even as he uplifts the black race, Capleton always makes a point of clarifying that he does not seek to alienate any race. "We are not being racial nor prejudiced star," he says. "Becaw we know Jah is for everyone. But where history and prophesy in concerned, that is our witness and we have to be ourself, and we cannot hide from the truth. Caw we woulda be a traitor and a sellout to ourself. And you cannot sell out yourself."
Soon thereafter came the song "Tour" a blazing state of the dancehall report written in the weeks following the slaying of Panhead and Dirtsman, two of Capleton's fellow artists. That song not only became an anthem of the roots revival within the dancehall, but a hip hop flavored remix of that song hit the Billboard charts, opening up a huge new audience to Capleton's messages of righteousness.
There followed a relationship with Def Jam records, who released two Capleton albums, Prophecy and I-Testament, which featured memorable collaborations with rap stars like Method Man and Q-Tip. Both records were warmly accepted by the international audience, but as the millennium drew to a close, Capleton sensed that it was time to return to his core audience. He had work to do. "I have to be myself, right? And I only can be me," he reasons. "So whichever way fi make me be me, I work with dat. Y'understand."
Capleton is now at the height of his powers. 1999 and 2000 have brought a ceaseless string of sound system favorite and dancehall chart toppers like the anti-violence anthem "Jah Jah City" and "Good In Her Clothes," a message of respect for the sisters who carry themselves like Empresses rather than. But even as he completes his mission of upliftment, Capleton has had many critics. One of his biggest hits, in fact, is addressed the naysayers in the press and the ivory towers of power. "Critics won't leave I alone," chats the Prophet. "They say they can't take the fire weh me put pon Rome"
Many of Capleton's songs "and most of his critics" make mention of this blazing fire. Capleton hopes to clear up the confusion once and for all. "Is not really a physical fire. Is really a spiritual fire, and a wordical fire, and a musical fire. You see the fire is all about a livity. But is people get it on the wrong term. People get confused.So when a man say "more fire" him think that mean say you fi go light the cane field or go light the church." Fire, Capleton explains, is a way of reminding one's brother that they are going astray. "That way a man know say him doing something wrong. That even give him the urge to know say Yo check up on yourself. What you're doing is not right, or else him would not say "Fire fi dat," or "Burn dat" or "More fire." "If we go check it back now," he continues, "fire is for the purification of earth, anyhow you check it. This earth itself have to even emerge from the literal fire also, which is the volcanic activity, we a talk bout lava. The hottest element to rise us in the morning is the sun. The water cleanse, but it's still the support from the fire that burn the water, burn out of the bacteria so the water coulda heal we fi cleanse. The herb heal, but it's still the fire fi burn the herb so the herb coulda heal we also."
{Bio is courtesy of Rob Kenner} www.vprecords.com
The People
Capleton Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You Hear what the man say
Jah know
Ah yay yay yay ya
King Shango along side Yami Bolo
Why are you waiting Jah Chosen People?
A wa mek dem a gwan so?
Now why are you killing Jah Chosen People?
A wa mek dem a gwan so?
A wa mek dem a gwan so?
Fus’ ting!
Too much guns and ammunition distributing
Mi say medical oppression that contributing
Too much innocent youth them executing
Want fi chant to the Queen and tramp and boot him
Only Rasta can save everything
A fire man blaze everything
Babylon dem want fi grave everything
And we see dem wa deprave everything
Eh! Bolo tell them
Now why are you waiting Jah Chosen People?
A wa mek dem a gwan so?
A wa mek dem a gwan so?
Why are you shooting Jah Chosen People?
A wa mek dem a gwan so?
A wa mek dem a gwan so?
True dem sell out Sellasie I
Mi say a it mek
True dem sell out Marcus Garvey
A it mek
And dem sell out Emmanuel
Say a it mek
And dem sell out Martin Luther
A it mek
And dem sell out Bob Marley
A it mek
True dem sell out Malcolm X
Well a it mek
Cause dem no have no discipline nor no respect
Mi say judgement a go tek dem
So the thing set
Alright!
Now why are you killing Jah Chosen People?
A wa mek dem a gwan so?
A wa mek dem a gwan so?
Dem killing the people with long guns bombs and riffle
A wa mek dem a gwan so?
A wa mek dem a gwan so?
Why are you hurting Jah Chosen People?
A wa mek dem a gwan so?
A wa mek dem a gwan so?
Cho
The truth dem hafi live up to
A keep it real dem hafi live up to
Haile Selassie I buss’ the seal dem hafi live up to
Now the truth hafi reveal dem hafi live up to
Ah high!
The truth dem hafi live up to
Nuff dem execute dem hafi live up to
Dem kill whole heap a youth dem hafi live up to
Treat dem like whole heap a brute dem hafi live up to
Ha!
Capleton's "The People" is a weighty social commentary on the systemic oppression and violence inflicted upon the Rastafarian community. He opens the song with a plea to question the motives behind the actions of those who are supposed to serve and protect the people. He wonders why there is so much killing and violence inflicted upon the people who are chosen by Jah. He questions why there is an abundance of guns and ammunition when the people need basic medical care, and innocent youth are being executed. The singer acknowledges that only the Rasta can bring balance to the world, by replacing the fire of destruction with the fire of love. Capleton also brings attention to leaders and symbols that have been sold out and betrayed, resulting in a lack of discipline and respect, and the need for judgement.
The message of "The People" is poignant in its call to examine the oppressive forces that continue to perpetuate violence and pain for the Rastafarian community, and beyond. Capleton successfully conveys his message through his lyrics, and with the help of Yami Bolo, who brings his own unique energy to the piece. The song is a strong representation of the power of music as a tool for social change.
Line by Line Meaning
Ah yay yay ya
Expresses excitement and anticipation for what follows.
You Hear what the man say
Asks if the listener understands the importance of the message presented.
Jah know
Acknowledgement of the power and presence of God.
Ah yay yay yay ya
Reemphasizes the excitement and anticipation from the beginning.
King Shango along side Yami Bolo
Names the two performing artists of the song.
Why are you waiting Jah Chosen People?
Questions why the chosen people of God are not acting against the injustices they face.
A wa mek dem a gwan so?
Asks why oppressors are exhibiting the harmful behaviours and actions they do.
Now why are you killing Jah Chosen People?
Repeats the question from the previous verse, this time specifically addressing the act of killing.
Fus’ ting!
A call for attention before the following statements.
Too much guns and ammunition distributing
There is an excessive amount of weapons being distributed, leading to more violence.
Mi say medical oppression that contributing
Refers to the abuse of medical facilities and care towards vulnerable populations as a cause of their oppression.
Too much innocent youth them executing
The youth, who are often innocent, are being executed and killed off.
Want fi chant to the Queen and tramp and boot him
The Rastafarians desire to celebrate and promote their culture, as well as reject the harmful influence of outsiders.
Only Rasta can save everything
Belief that only following the Rasta way of life and spirituality can save everything.
A fire man blaze everything
Metaphorically suggests that a cleansing fire is needed to bring about necessary change.
Babylon dem want fi grave everything
The oppressors wish to bury and destroy all aspects of Rastafarian culture.
And we see dem wa deprave everything
Acknowledges the destructive and corrupt nature of the oppressors in their actions.
Eh! Bolo tell them
An exclamation urging Bolo to deliver the next verse of the song.
True dem sell out Sellasie I
Refers to the perceived betrayal by others of Emperor Haile Selassie.
Mi say a it mek
A common Jamaican phrase roughly translating to 'That's how it is.'
True dem sell out Marcus Garvey
Refers to the selling out and betrayal of Marcus Garvey by others.
And dem sell out Emmanuel
References the betrayal of Prince Emanuel, another key figure in Rastafarian beliefs.
Say a it mek
Repeats the previous reaction for emphasis.
And dem sell out Martin Luther
Refers to the perceived selling out of Martin Luther King Jr. by people who do not uphold his values.
A it mek
Reiterates the statement that the betrayal of Martin Luther King Jr. simply 'is what it is.'
And dem sell out Bob Marley
Refers to the perceived betrayal or commercialization of Bob Marley's music and message.
True dem sell out Malcolm X
Refers to the idea that Malcolm X was betrayed or silenced by others who did not agree with him.
Well a it mek
Repeats the phrase used throughout the verse to emphasize the idea that these betrayals have simply occurred and can't be changed.
Cause dem no have no discipline nor no respect
These supposed betrayals of good figures occurred because those who betrayed them lacked discipline and respect.
Mi say judgement a go tek dem
States that those who have betrayed good values are destined to face judgement or consequences for their actions.
So the thing set
Everything is established, set in place, so the judgement or consequences are coming.
Dem killing the people with long guns bombs and riffle
Violent killings of people by oppressors using bombs, rifles and guns are occurring.
Why are you hurting Jah Chosen People?
Repeats the question from before, emphasizing the idea that hurting or killing the chosen people of God is especially egregious.
Dem killing the people with long guns bombs and riffle
Repeats the statement regarding violent acts committed towards innocent people, as if to drive home the importance of the message.
A wa mek dem a gwan so?
Again repeats the question on why such violence is being committed.
The truth dem hafi live up to
States that people should be living up to and promoting the truth of the situation and morality.
A keep it real dem hafi live up to
Encourages people to be honest and sincere in their dealings and words.
Haile Selassie I buss’ the seal dem hafi live up to
Refers to an important prophetic moment in Rastafarian culture where Haile Selassie I is seen as the Messiah and the 'seal' of the present generation.
Now the truth hafi reveal dem hafi live up to
People should be working towards uncovering and revealing the truth, as it will uphold moral values.
Ah high!
A call of agreement and affirmation.
Nuff dem execute dem hafi live up to
Refers to the execution and killing of many vulnerable people, which should be stopped so people can live up to moral values.
Dem kill whole heap a youth dem hafi live up to
Emphasizes that the young people killed are innocent and deserve to be protected in order to live up to societal values.
Treat dem like whole heap a brute dem hafi live up to
Youth are being treated poorly and without basic human decency, which reflects poorly on society's values.
Ha!
An exclamation of surprise or emphasis.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Clifton George III Bailey, Rolando Ephraim McLean, Ali Darvish, Damian Marley
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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