Capleton Ignites National Pride as the Reggae Icon is Honoured at Jamaica’s Grand Gala

Capleton in performance(image source)

Reporter At an electrifying Grand Gala staged inside the National Stadium, Capleton, affectionately known as “The Fireman,” received Jamaica’s prestigious Reggae Icon Award as he stood alongside fellow legends Beres Hammond and Leroy Sibbles. The annual Independence Day celebration, themed “Be Proud, Be Bold, in Black, Green and Gold,” was a night brimming with cultural homage and national unity.

Nearly 3,000 performers filled the stadium with a colourful tapestry of dance, drill, and drama. From the fiery choreography of the Department of Correctional Services Drill Corps to the high-energy tactical showcase by the Jamaica Constabulary Force — featuring canine unit star Tango — the cultural segments set the stage for a memorable evening.

Capleton, clad in a custom-designed Jamaican-themed outfit complete with matching shoes, beamed as he accepted his citation from Prime Minister Andrew Holness, with Culture Minister Olivia “Babsy” Grange standing by his side. In his acceptance, Capleton spoke not just of music, but of culture and identity.

“We carry this fire to the four corners of the Earth... for the benefit of the culture, the people of Jamaica,” he said.

Following his tribute, he delivered a rousing set featuring fan favourites like Tun It Up, Slew Dem, That Day Will Come, Jah Jah City, and Stand Tall. His performance reverberated with rich symbolism, pride, resistance, and a heart aflame for nationhood. The evening culminated in a stunning drone show and fireworks display, sealing Grand Gala 2025 as a celebration of resilience and reinvention — a visual and sonic salute to Jamaica’s independence and artistic legacy.

For Zimbabwean cultural observers, Capleton’s tribute is a powerful reminder of how artists can act as vessels for national identity. In troubled times, culture and those who embody it can transcend boundaries and reaffirm belonging. His honour at Grand Gala is not only a recognition of his storied career but a testament to how Jamaican artists remain proud ambassadors on the global stage.