Capleton promises ‘more fire’ for Thanksgiving weekend concert with Tarrus Riley in New Jersey

When “The Fireman” Capleton takes the stage with singer Tarrus Riley at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) in Newark on Friday, Nov. 27, for the Reggae Giants Live! concert, fans can expect the energy to be turned up to the max until “it buck,” Capleton says.

“You know, the same message, the same energy, same vibe. It’s never changed,” he told radio personality Killa Boo during a recent interview.

Capleton has been commanding stages around the world since 1989. He credits his longevity to the respect he has for the music and the fans who have supported him over the years.

“It’s not about the hype or the fame or the popularity or the publicity. For me, it’s about the music, it’s about the culture, it’s about the country and it’s about the people,” he explained.

His upcoming New Jersey appearance follows a successful tour of the United Kingdom, where he performed for packed audiences in Bristol, Birmingham and London.

“We went to Bristol, we did the Bristol O2 Academy. Sold out full to capacity, people couldn’t get in,” he recalled.

Birmingham, where he shared the stage with fellow reggae veteran Luciano, also drew a capacity crowd. The excitement continued at London’s Brixton Academy, where fans turned out in large numbers to see the Fireman perform.

But it was a recent appearance in Toronto, Canada, that produced one of the most talked-about moments of his touring schedule.

Returning to the Canadian city after approximately 11 years, Capleton decided that an ordinary entrance simply wouldn’t do. Instead, he arrived in a fire truck.

“You know, they’re still talking about that right now,” he said.

The entrance quickly attracted attention on social media, but Capleton was quick to explain that there was a deeper meaning behind the spectacle.

“This is not a physical fire, this is a metaphorical fire,” he said. “If the fireman is in the fire truck, the fire can’t out.”

That combination of showmanship, spontaneity and conviction has helped make Capleton one of reggae’s most captivating live performers.

“Improvising will always be a great part of the thing,” he explained. His personal rule is simple: never leave an audience feeling shortchanged.

“Anywhere I go to perform, these people have to want to see me perform again,” he said. “So I always give it my all.”

While his stage performances continue to attract attention, Capleton has also been busy in the recording studio. His latest album, Heights of Fire, features 16 tracks spanning reggae, dancehall, Afrobeats and hip-hop. Still, he insists that roots reggae and cultural music remain at the heart of the project.

“When you drop an album, I want to make sure that the album is timeless. And I want it to be a global anthem,” he said.

For Capleton, preserving the foundation of Jamaican music is especially important at a time when musical tastes and production styles are constantly changing.

“We don’t want to lose the authenticity of the roots and the culture,” he stressed.

His concerns extend beyond music. Although he did not address specific political controversies, Capleton spoke about the hardships facing ordinary people and the role reggae can play in helping them navigate difficult times.

“Reggae music is the music of soul,” he said, explaining that it keeps people spiritually connected and gives them hope when life becomes difficult.

That message has remained central to his music for decades, even as the industry around him has changed dramatically. Despite his international recognition and a career spanning more than three decades, Capleton remains grateful to the audiences who continue to support him.

“I try to stay as humble,” he said. “Without the people, we are nothing.”

That appreciation was evident as he reflected on being honored by the Jamaican government in 2025, a recognition he welcomed as an acknowledgment of his contribution to the country’s music and culture.

For fans in the Tri-State area, the Nov. 27 concert offers an opportunity to see two of Jamaica’s established reggae performers share the stage.

Capleton brings the fire, commanding stage presence and cultural messages that have defined his career. Riley, affectionately known as Mr. Singy Singy, is known for his rich vocals, romantic ballads and catalogue of reggae favorites. Together, they are set to deliver a Thanksgiving weekend musical treat for reggae fans.

Showtime is 8 p.m., with doors opening at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $65 and are available through NJPAC and Ticketmaster.

As for what Capleton plans to deliver when he steps onto that Newark stage, his message is unmistakable: The Fireman is coming, and he has no intention of putting out the flames.