In November 1998, while driving around Montego Bay, Jah Cure was pulled over by the police and arrested on charges of gun possession, rape and robbery. He was prosecuted in April 1999, found guilty and sentenced to 15 years in prison. Since the arrest, Jah Cure has firmly maintained his innocence. Jah Cure is not scheduled to be released from jail until 2007 at the earliest.
While in prison he has had access to recording equipment and has released three albums and a number of singles, some of which have topped the Jamaican charts. His first album Free Jah’s Cure was released in 2000, it was followed by Ghetto Life in 2003 and Freedom Blues in 2005. More recently Jah Cure has released the songs 'Love is', 'Longing For' and 'True Reflections', showing his unique voice and lyrical ability.
BY TYRONE S REID Observer staff reporter reidt@jamaicaobserver.com
Sunday, July 29, 2007
From Jamaica Observer -- BY TYRONE S REID Observer staff reporter reidt@jamaicaobserver.com
Sunday, July 29, 2007:
After eight years "behind the prison walls" of the Tower Street Adult Correctional facility in Kingston, the day that he was "longing for" - his release - came yesterday, but not with the fanfare and flourish that many Jamaicans had highly anticipated.
During his time behind bars, reggae singer Jah Cure created headlines that won him legions of fans, many who started petitions advocating his release. But yesterday, the reggae artiste, born Siccature Alcock, who was scheduled to be released at 8:00 am, walked out of the maximum security prison minutes after 5:00 am, according to guards.
But even though Jah Cure's early morning release stumped his fans, as well as journalists, scores of chalice-carrying Rastafarians were at the prison gate to greet their 'brother', a senior warder told the Sunday Observer.
"Mi seh, some chalice bun out yah this morning. Ah nuff Rasta come out in di early morning. The one dem who hear bout the early release," the warder said. "Him walk out like Nelson Mandela and him greet some of the man them before the warden escort him away."
The senior warder, who spoke to some of the people who had gathered for the 8:00 am release, said the decision was made to prevent any commotion outside the prison gates.
"I am sorry to know that people came to see him and didn't get the chance. We had to try and avoid the crowd," the warder, dressed in a bright blue uniform, told the crowd, after declining to give his name.
Yesterday, the Sunday Observer received positive comments about Alcock's character while he was an inmate on the A-North block.
"He was a well-behaved inmate. We never have no problem with him," one worker at the prison said.
Another said: "Yes man, him just love him music. Him did alright."
One female warden agreed with her co-workers, before advising us to direct any further questions to "the head office".
In the meantime, several fans who refused to believe that their "artiste" had already left the compound set up camp outside and openly expressed their opinions about his imprisonment and subsequent release.
One female vendor outside the prison, who gave her name only as Miss Yvonne, told the Sunday Observer that Alcock received many visitors each month, the majority being females.
"Him get visitors from all over the world. The other day a white girl come here from France but him didn't take the visit," Miss Yvonne said. "Him go to prison go make him name. I hope that him learn him lesson and move on with him life," she said, adding that she heard that Jah Cure made a stop at Rockfort to "wash off" after leaving the prison.
Her other interesting comments, which had everyone cracking up, included: "Mi hear seh Jah Cure pay all warden rent when him did ovah deh."
One man who said he drove from St Thomas to witness the singer's release said he was very disappointed but wished Jah Cure all the best.
"Even though him have the whole world claim that them love him, him have to be careful," he said.
Another man, a broom vendor from Clarendon, said he wanted to get a glimpse of the man whose songs he can't get enough of.
Trisha, a female fan and a feelance photographer, said people should not judge Alcock as he was capable of making mistakes and changing like other humans.
"I believe that to each his own. If it wasn't time for him to be released, he wouldn't have been released. I just hope that he has learnt from the experience," she said.
Her friend, Kelly, added: "I think he deserved to be released. I just want to get to see him in person now. I hope he wil change too."
Alcock, who was born in Hanover in 1978, was reportedly given the name Jah Cure by Capleton whom he met while growing up in Kingston.
According to police reports, in November 1998, while driving around Montego Bay Alcock was pulled over by the police and arrested on charges of gun possession, rape and robbery. He was taken before the courts in April 1999, found guilty and sentenced to 15 years in prison.
Since the arrest, Jah Cure has firmly maintained his innocence. The story surrounding his case dominated media headlines and barber shop conversations for months, leading to several "Free Jah Cure" campaigns.
While in prison, the singer had access to recording equipment and has released three albums and a number of singles, some of which have done well on local reggae charts. His debut album, Free Jah's Cure was released in 2000, and was followed by Ghetto Life (2003) and Freedom Blues (2005). His popular singles include True Reflections, Love is and Longing For. -- Jamaica Observer
Jah Cure performed for the first time in Holland from http://www.radioreggaetrade.com:
Jah Cure's first performance since his release from prison on July 28 has left a lasting impression on his European fans. On Sunday August 12 at the Reggae Sundance Festival in Eindhoven, Holland, Jah Cure performed in front of 20,000 persons who were longing for this day. Below are reports from journalists who were able to capture this historic moment.
"The field felt it. Jah Cure's performance at Reggae Sundance in Holland would become a historical moment. While the world was waiting for his release, Jah Cure has given hope to many with his music. With this in mind all his songs felt much more powerful. Longing For, What Will It Take, Jamaica and Prison Walls; he did them in his distinguished way of singing. Almost complaining as if he carries a heavy weight on his back. He reaches the high notes, even if he has to press them out of his toes. That's the way the crowd likes to hear him! He stood on stage dressed all in white with his sympathetic and relaxed attitude. Compared to other artists he's different in his stage performance. He shows a lot of tranquility. I think Holland was blessed with Jah Cure on the 12 th of August 2007." - Melvin Toemin, FunX FM, Rotterdam.
"The show was amazing. The best show I have ever been to. Jah Cure gave a strong performance... Amazing!" - Julian, www.Reggaephotos.de , Germany.
"Jah Cure's debut performance since his much publicised release from prison promised much, and for once the hype around an artistes performance delivered on all fronts. He seemed completely at home on stage and was greeted by a rapturous reception from the European crowd. His rapport with the audience was instantly noticeable, and with the majestic Dean Frazer leading the Iyah Cure Band it was hard to believe that this was not an outfit that had toured around Europe and the world for some time. And this was actually their first public outing! Cure's vocal performance was on point throughout, and his fans around the world have a treat in store when he visits their region." - Ray Paul, BBC 1Xtra, United Kingdom.
"The audience sang along line by line. The atmosphere was electrifying. In the run-up to the Reggae Sundance festival it was evident that most of the over 20,000 visitors travelled there because of Jah Cure. It was history in the making! Jamaica had Bob Marley, Jamaica had Garnett Silk and now Jamaica has Jah Cure, who is on the best way to becoming a superstar. That was the consensus after his outstanding, professional, winning performance, which was the crowning glory of the festival and which put tears in so many eyes because of the beauty of his voice and the circumstances surrounding his very first performance after over eight years in prison." - Ellen Kohlings, Riddim, Germany
Jamaican fans and journalists will have the opportunity to make their own judgments at Cure's next performance at Curefest, the 3-day event focusing on the work and music of Jah Cure to be held on October 12-14, 2007 in Oracabessa Bay, St. Mary, Jamaica.
check: freejahcure.net
Dem Nuh Build Great Man
Jah Cure Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
If you had the power to change just one thing what would it be?
Well change the system me see my self as a bless of art of and a mission because I come see it one way (why me jah jah)
[Jah Cure:]
Da da da di di doe nana na nea
A whoa yeah, a whoa yeah
[Chorus:][x2]
Dem nuh build great man,
Dem only kill great man
Babylon be still ah nuh underate man
Some a ball satan, an ah work fi Pope John
Can't let them overcome
[Verse 1: Jah Cure]
Bob marley, Peter Tosh, umandel free I tin-a-so
Nitty gritty, poppa richie yeah,
Can't let them get you down iniquity
Country and town it nuh pretty,
Mankind will take your crown cuz dem living shitty, a lucky ting seh rasta nuh licky licky,
Babylon caan let the streets nar trick we yeah
Nooo yeah.
[Chorus:][x2]
[Verse 2: Fantan Mojah]
(oh no no no no)
The more youths dem kill see another one rise and give babylon a surprise...
Bose I, bose I, bose I, bose I, a poverton I children cry.
I pray for equal rights and justice for my people everyday,
Forbidden fruit in the garden,
We have to weed a bound weed a bound
Forbidden fruit in the garden,
We have to weed dem out weed dem out.
[Jah Cure:]
Dem kill Malcom X and Martin Luther King,
A di same ting dem bring off on Rodney King,
Millions vex, still dem couldn't do nothing, king Selassie mi sing yeah.
Some a fling fiya bolt some a flash lightning, king Selassie mi king yeah.
Dem caan break the joys or my love within, Selassie I pickney sing yeah.
World a cry for the love we bring an...
(fantan mojah)- rastafari is everyting yeah.
To the powers I will ask the king,
Dem can't do the rasta man a thing.
[Chorus:]
[Verse 3: Jah Cure]
Great is great, should not be underate,
Great is great, should be appreciate.
See a birth of greatness try your best to endorse it, don't play bad mind and pass it.
Working dem tricks beg u water in ah basket,
King Selassie mi ask this,
Fiya roots and yuh culture dem do not ask this rasta come fi endorse this yeah... ohhhhh ahhaaaa
Endorse this.... yeah yeah
Babylon dem nuh build we...,
From dem see how we great dem a try hard fi kill we..
But still I'm surviving, jah cure stay alive in yeah...
[Chorus:]
The song "Dem Nuh Build Great Man" by Jah Cure and featuring Fantan Mojah speaks about the struggle of great men who have been killed by the system instead of being celebrated for their greatness. The song acknowledges the efforts of great men like Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, and others who have been killed to silence their greatness, and how mankind will take your crown because they are living in a 'sh***y' world. The chorus emphasizes the idea that the system does not build great men; instead, it destroys them. The verse by Jah Cure speaks to the fact that the system has tried to destroy Malcolm X, Martin Luther King, and Rodney King. The verse by Fantan Mojah speaks to the need for equality and justice within the human race. The song encourages the idea that greatness should not be underrated and should be celebrated. The lyrics also emphasize the need to endorse and encourage greatness, weed out negativity, and work together to support one another.
Overall, Jah Cure and Fantan Mojah highlight the need to support greatness, stay positive and strong despite the negatives of the system, and work towards supporting each other in building successful communities. The song portrays a cry for equal rights and justice for everyone.
Line by Line Meaning
If you had the power to change just one thing what would it be?
As an artist, Jah Cure sees himself as a blessing and a person with a mission to bring about change. He believes that the system needs to change, and he asks what one thing people would change if they had the power to do so.
Dem nuh build great man,
The people in power do not build great men, but instead, they kill them.
Dem only kill great man
Jah Cure believes that the people in power do not help build up great people in society, but instead, they kill them.
Babylon be still ah nuh underate man
Babylon, which refers to the system, should not underestimate people who are great.
Some a ball satan, an ah work fi Pope John
People who work for the system are often working for Satan or the Pope John, who represent the corrupt and powerful forces in society.
Can't let them overcome
Jah Cure urges people not to let the people in power overcome or defeat good and decent people in society.
Bob marley, Peter Tosh, umandel free I tin-a-so
Jah Cure names several great musicians such as Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, and Umandel to show that the people in power often try to bring great people down.
Nitty gritty, poppa richie yeah,
Jah Cure lists other great musicians like Nitty Gritty and Poppa Richie who have been suppressed by the people in power.
Can't let them get you down iniquity
Jah Cure urges people not to let injustice bring them down.
Country and town it nuh pretty,
Jah Cure believes that the situation is not pretty both in the country and in town.
Mankind will take your crown cuz dem living shitty,
People who live poorly can often have their position in society taken away from them.
a lucky ting seh rasta nuh licky licky,
Jah Cure feels that Rasta people are lucky because they refuse to bow down to the corrupt forces in society.
Babylon caan let the streets nar trick we yeah
The system tries to deceive people, but Jah Cure urges people not to be fooled by their tricks.
The more youths dem kill see another one rise and give babylon a surprise...
Jah Cure believes that the more the system tries to kill great youths, the more others will rise up and surprise them.
I pray for equal rights and justice for my people everyday,
Fantan Mojah prays for equal rights and justice for his people every day as he believes that the system is unjust.
Forbidden fruit in the garden,
Fantan Mojah references the story of Adam and Eve and compares the corrupt forces in society to the forbidden fruit in the garden.
We have to weed a bound weed a bound
Fantan Mojah believes that people need to weed out the corrupt forces in society.
Dem kill Malcom X and Martin Luther King,
Jah Cure lists great leaders like Malcom X and Martin Luther King who were killed by the people in power.
A di same ting dem bring off on Rodney King,
Jah Cure believes that the same thing happened to Rodney King who was attacked and beaten by police despite being innocent.
Millions vex, still dem couldn't do nothing, king Selassie mi sing yeah.
Despite the anger and frustration of the people, they were unable to bring about change in their society. Jah Cure mentions King Selassie as a symbol of hope.
Some a fling fiya bolt some a flash lightning, king Selassie mi king yeah.
Jah Cure believes that some people are very powerful and can cause significant damage, but he also mentions King Selassie as a leader of great power.
Dem caan break the joys or my love within, Selassie I pickney sing yeah.
Jah Cure believes that despite the efforts of the people in power, they cannot break his joy and love.
World a cry for the love we bring an...
Jah Cure laments that the world is in need of more love.
Rastafari is everyting yeah.
Fantan Mojah believes that Rastafarianism is all-encompassing and is a way of life.
To the powers I will ask the king,
Jah Cure believes that only a higher power can bring about change.
Dem can't do the rasta man a thing.
Jah Cure believes that the Rasta man is unbreakable and cannot be defeated by the people in power.
Great is great, should not be underate,
Jah Cure believes that great people should not be underestimated and devalued.
Great is great, should be appreciate.
Jah Cure believes that great people should be appreciated and celebrated for their contributions.
See a birth of greatness try your best to endorse it, don't play bad mind and pass it.
Jah Cure urges people to support and endorse the birth of greatness and not be envious or devaluing of those who achieve great things.
Working dem tricks beg u water in ah basket,
Jah Cure acknowledges that the people in power use tricks to deceive the people and force them to work hard for little reward.
King Selassie mi ask this,
Jah Cure mentions King Selassie again and asks people to reflect on his teachings.
Fiya roots and yuh culture dem do not ask this rasta come fi endorse this yeah... ohhhhh ahhaaaa
Jah Cure endorses fiya roots and culture without being prompted to do so.
Endorse this.... yeah yeah
Jah Cure repeats that he endorses fiya roots and culture.
Babylon dem nuh build we...,
The people in power do not build up great people like Jah Cure and others.
From dem see how we great dem a try hard fi kill we..
Jah Cure believes that the people in power try hard to bring great people down once they see how great they are.
But still I'm surviving, jah cure stay alive in yeah...
Despite the efforts of the people in power, Jah Cure is still surviving and staying strong.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: SICCATURIE ALCOCK
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@oneikadoll8172
😂😂 I remember as a child that I was in a music video in Tivoli Garden but didn’t know which one, at 24 today age I found it. I’m the little girl in the white dress, lol this brings back so much memories 🤣🔥🔥
@iribblack2067
😤
@webbawebba8833
That is such a beautiful life growth experience
Thanx for sharing
@reppintrini3576
Blessings empress.jah bless
@wendymahadeo8547
Nuff respect ❤❤
@apollonialightfoot3945
Hwh
sjevsb s s
@josephkabange6316
Jah cure put everything in this tune, his soul, his hunger his frustrations and his gift. Gifted
@unknownannouncement394
Real chat
@jamwashjoni2355
That's for sure
@ibbaisie6900
2023 still listening 🇸🇷