Blazing hot! - Capleton credits clean living for his longevity

'Jah Jah City' hitmaker Capleton is proving that age is just a number. The reggae legend, known to fans as the 'Fireman,' turned 58 on April 13 and celebrated the milestone with two sold-out shows in New York and Connecticut in the United States of America.

Fuelled by passion, discipline, and an unwavering love for his craft, Capleton shows no signs of slowing down.

"I'm always recording new material and coming up with new styles and flows and not just relying on my catalogue, so this keeps me musically growing," he explained.

Maintaining his health and lifestyle, he believes, plays a major role in his longevity.

"I don't drink alcohol, I don't smoke cigarettes, and I'm a vegetarian, so this gives me a lot of energy. I don't party," he added.

That vibrant energy was on full display during his birthday concerts -- first at Club Amazura in New York on April 12, followed by a special event in Connecticut on his birthday, organised by Capleton Music. The seasoned entertainer said his passion continues to fuel his drive.

"Normally, I spend my time with my mom, family, friends, and associates at my home in Kingston. We normally play music, cook food, and celebrate together," he shared. "But this year, I spent my birthday working -- and it was all love," added the entertainer, who is also referred to as King Shango and the Prophet.

For the ever blazing Capleton, each birthday is a time of reflection and gratitude.

"My birthday is special to me because it's another year around the sun to reflect and see how much I have grown mentally, spiritually, and musically."

With a career spanning more than three decades and performances across the globe, Capleton approaches every stage with the same intense energy.

"I perform all over the world on different continents. Everywhere has special fans, so I don't really have a favourite place to perform. I give it the same energy regardless of the country," he said.

Even after so many years, Capleton feels as if his journey is just beginning. "Basically, I've been performing for 30 years and I feel like I'm just getting started," he said, embodying the same youthful spirit that first won over reggae and dancehall fans worldwide.

The love from audiences singing his lyrics word for word, he said, remains one of the greatest rewards of his career. Yet he also acknowledged the harder moments, especially the recent loss of musical icons like Cocoa Tea and Max Romeo, which have deeply affected the community.

Meanwhile, the Fireman has no plans to rest any time soon. He is already booked for a busy summer, starting with a performance at Aidonia's 20th anniversary celebration at Sabina Park, Kingston, on May 10. After that, he will head to Europe for the Afrodom Festival, in Paris, on June 8, followed by a show in Guadeloupe on June 15.