Jah Cure: True Reflections

Is this your first time in Africa?

Yes it is and I am very excited about it. It is like a dream come true. We all know that we have roots in Kenya and it is a big privilege to be here.

Then why has it taken you this long to get here?

I think everything has its own time. It could have happened earlier, but I have been patient and I feel good about this trip. I think this is the right time to be here.

This is more like a spiritual fulfilment; it’s not about the money I’m going to make on this trip.

Talking of money, how much are you being paid to perform in Kenya?

I’m not in a position to disclose that my brother.

Where else have you performed other than Jamaica?

I have performed in countries in Europe and other Caribbean countries. I think I will have more African shows from now on.

How many albums do you have so far?

I’m not the kind of artiste that records 20 albums within five years. I have only five albums so far. I have been taking things slow, doing one song one at a time.

I don’t think I’m going anywhere soon. In fact, I feel I will live for a very long time. So I am here to stay, that’s why I’m not rushing to do many albums within a short time.

Who inspires you in the music industry?

It definitely has to be Beres Hammond. He recorded my first song and he has been my mentor all these years I have been in the music industry.

Reggae music has been associated with violence among the youth and reggae lovers. What message do you have for Kenyan reggae music lovers?

If they listen to my music, I preach peace and consciousness. Reggae music is all about peace and unity in the society, those who fight are not real reggae lovers.

Are you planning to do any collaboration with local artistes?

I know Kenyans and Africans at large love reggae music, so if there’s an opportunity for me to collabo with any Kenyan musician, that will be alright with me.

Are you a family man?

Oh yes, I have a wife and children, I will not tell you how many though. But I’m a serious family man and I respect everyone who values family.

You tweeted the other day that you will be in Dubai this month, is that where your next show is going to be?

Not really. I will go to Jamaica first, I have a couple of shows there next week. For Dubai, it won’t be a big show, I will be attending a friend’s private party. That’s all.

Are you planning to visit any place in particular in Kenya?

If time allows me, I will do that. I love nature and I feel really good that I’m enjoying Nairobi for that.

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Jah Cure was born Siccature Alcock in October 1978 in Hanover, Jamaica. He was given the name Jah Cure while growing up in Kingston, Jamaica.

His first big hit, ‘King in this Jungle’, a duet with Sizzla, was recorded by legendary reggae star Beres Hammond in 1997.

Hammond eventually took Cure under his tutelage and began mentoring him and producing his music.

In November 1998, Cure was arrested on charges of gun possession, robbery and rape. He was prosecuted, found guilty and sentenced to 15 years in prison.

Cure was transferred from the St Catherine Adult Correctional Centre to the Tower Street Adult Correctional Centre, which had a digital recording studio that inmates could use.

It was there that Cure released three albums and a number of singles, some of which have topped Jamaican charts. His first album ‘Free Jah’s Cure: The Album, the Truth’ was released in 2000.

It was followed by ‘Ghetto Life’ in 2003 and ‘Freedom Blues’ in 2005. More recently, Cure released the songs ‘Love Is’, ‘Longing For’ and ‘True Reflections’, showing his unique voice and lyrical ability.

He was released from jail on parole on July 28, 2007 after serving eight years of the sentence. Three days later, his fourth album, ‘True Reflections ... A New Beginning’ was released.

At the end of 2010, following the success of Jah Cure’s single ‘Unconditional Love’ featuring Phyllisia, SoBe Entertainment released the second single off Jah Cure’s upcoming ‘World Cry’ album, titled ‘Like I See It’ featuring Rick Ross and Mavado.

Jah Cure married TV host/producer Kamila McDonald on August 7, 2011. On February 20, 2012 the couple had a baby girl named Kailani Belle.